New big blue signs in SoWal

[Matt J]

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

I've been wondering how much money was spent on coming up with the name, "wayfinding signs." I always thought they were called "directional signs."

We are a fairly open minded community, maybe they didn't want to make people feel like they had to go somewhere (directional) and could just choose their path (wayfinding)?

Sorry, just trying to put some lipstick on this pig.

 

[Hop]

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

From the article in the NWFL Daily News: "...The second (type of signs) are directional and have arrows pointing visitors the right way; the third are larger welcome signs on the highways at the edges of the county...."


Question: what is the "right" way?

also from article:
"?Locals and visitors will now know where they are and where they are going,? Mares said. "

comment: if locals don't know where they are and where they are going, big directional signs won't help them. Laying off the pot smoking might be a better option.

From the article:
"They will also be safer. The new signs are designed to break away from their footing in case a car hits them, Mares said. If that happens, there will be less damage to the car."

comment: safer than what? hitting a wooden sign? Seems to me that a car would likely have knocked down the wooden sign, but now a car will be really ph'kd up when it hits two metal poles. I don't care if the bolts do break away the sign, those fittings will be ruined and have to be repaired.

from article:
"And the signs are more than just road markers; they will help with the county?s marketing, Mares said. Each sign has the TDC?s three red-and-white umbrellas on them."

comment: woopty doo.

i agree sj...or i've got an idea....how about no signage...that would be even safer!

 

[scooterbug44]

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

Every time I see these signs I think it's a very good thing I love my car too much to test the "snap off" theory! :angry:

 

[TooFarTampa]

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

Both this thread, and the link to the news story -- sorry Andy -- are worthless without pics.

I trust you guys (especially Chickpea) who say they are horrid but I would like to see what they look like. I'm sure I'm not alone. Anyone?

 

[tivoli]

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

Both this thread, and the link to the news story -- sorry Andy -- are worthless without pics.

I trust you guys (especially Chickpea) who say they are horrid but I would like to see what they look like. I'm sure I'm not alone. Anyone?

Well, my husband and I got into Seagrove about 8pm Thursday evening
and first noticed the 8ft. monstrosity at the Seagrove Market.... Let me
tell you......the pictures on the SoWal board do the justice of ugly; however,
they are even uglier in person!!

The weather was really nice and took a stroll down to Seaside along the
beach Saturday morning... A lot of sand bars have developed along the
shore line between Seagrove and Seaside. What a lovely, sunny, warm
68 degree day along the beach... Picked up The Seaside Times
while patronizing Modica while down that way.....great store and food!!!!
Waffles with the strawberries & whipped cream....to die for!!!

Anyway, The Seaside Times Forum States - 3 Articles

Seaside and Environmental Design
Town Founder Dishes on Sustainability
Local Homes Capture Design Awards

Walking back we see the new Seaside Sign and the new Seagrove
sign, I cannot describe to you how ugly and out of place these new
signs look with the area and environment. Especially, after reading
the above-mentioned articles while in Seaside.

It appalls me that with our community being filled with local artists.....
no one sought out advice from the locals or the people who own in
the different communities for their opinions for new signs along the
corridor of 30-A. I'm sure that if asked, artist's would have donated
their time to paint new wooden signs. I don't even think we would
have had to pay for any of these signs. I've been a owner in the area
for two and a half years and absolutely "love" the area and would have
gave someone a donation for the new Scenic 30-A signs.

They are a distraction to the area, size, color and design. I'm sure
Alys Beach is really glad that so far they've lucked out with them placing
one just beyond their beautiful entrance. The one by the Seagrove
Market looks like Seagrove/Goofy to the left and Seaside/Donald to the
right...... Rosemary Beach has done a nice job with their wooden sign
stating Rosemary Beach - Established 19__? We needed to have some
kind of unity between the communities flowing from one to another and
not distractions of such! The old beach feel of yesteryears is quickly
disappearing.....

 

[Indigo Jill]

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

I have to admit, I was one who voted "neither like or dislike" a few days ago but now, after having driven by the signs several times, they aren't growing on me at all - just the opposite actually - and I would put dislike now. They do look so out of place! I am guessing the height is due to the fact that they were leaving some room under for safety purposes and that isn't what bothers me about them. It's the color that looks so wrong to me.

 

[Lisa Ruby]

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

So now that we've established that the vast majority of property owners and residents detest these signs, is there a course of action?

 

[Dave Rauschkolb]

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Rauschkolb <drmail@mchsi.com>
Date: Jan 11, 2008 9:21 PM
Subject: Re:Signs on 30-A
To: Tracy Louthain < tlouthain@beachesofsouthwalton.com>
CC: Claire Bannerman
CC: Kris Titus

Hi Tracy,

About 15 years ago I originally approached the TDC as President of the Scenic 30-A Business Association with the idea of naming each beach community. Because we did not have the funds to pay for the signs I asked the TDC to fund the project if I came up with the design and placed them. TDC graciously accepted and has maintained the signs since then. I want you to know that I support your efforts and felt great that a new generation of signs would be good for the area.

I have done my best to calm the storm brewing on SoWal and all over regarding negative opinions about the look of the new signs. I am sure you know you have a local public relations disaster on your hands. People are coming to me because I designed the old signs and I have tried to tell them "just give it time, they will blend in over time" "It's part of a comprehensive plan that will give the area continuity and connectedness" and so on.

Basically, every person I have spoken to hates the new signs. All I hear is they are too big, too high and too blue. I have not heard one positive comment yet.

Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost. I know what it takes to plan and implement something of this magnitude but I really feel if this many people dislike the signs now just wait until the season. People are likening the area to Disney.

I suggest you work with Claire Bannerman on creating a design that incorporates the Beaches of South Walton logo with the words "Scenic 30-A" because it will be a scenic route soon. I would be happy to work with you as well.

The signs should be much smaller and lower to the ground and made of a material that long lasting and is indigenous to the area; I suggest cypress. At any rate, I strongly suggest you act quickly to form a plan. I am happy to help in any way. PR, design or otherwise. Please call me or email me if I may be of any assistance. Thank you. 865-1061

Sincerely,


Dave Rauschkolb

 

[Teresa]

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

I have to admit, I was one who voted "neither like or dislike" a few days ago but now, after having driven by the signs several times, they aren't growing on me at all - just the opposite actually - and I would put dislike now. They do look so out of place! I am guessing the height is due to the fact that they were leaving some room under for safety purposes and that isn't what bothers me about them. It's the color that looks so wrong to me.

I would change my vote if I could as well. my first glimpses of the signs were on the very east end of 30A. for some reason, those signs are not as giant as some of the others. I've seen most of them now, and I'm horrified. yes, landscaping would go a long way. but putting those on our SCENIC drive is a big mistake.

Thank you Dave for writing the above letter and representing us.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

Not intended to imply that we should destroy the signs by vandalism, just that the TDC needs to pony up and have them painted a nice neutral green or tan. They should take some notes from WaterColor regarding sign colors. Also, the bold text on the directional signs should not be so heavy. I have excellent vision, though I find the text very difficult to read. Not to mention, I have to completely take my eyes off the road to read the signs as I pass under them. Terrible mistake, though I realize that the one at 395 in front of the Seagrove Market may be that tall for drivers to see as they are egressing from roads.