New big blue signs in SoWal

[Kurt]

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?

John R took some pics - check the first page.

 

[up4golf]

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

Actually, that $160K is for the other signs to be located along the multi-use trail running along 30A. Those are still to be installed. I hope they aren't fashioned in the same style, color and size, but I have a feeling that the TDC will want to further market the red and white umbrellas. more signs,quite a few more signs for the trail i understand, soon we may not be able to see the scenery only signs.

 

[florida girl]

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

You know, I liked the old signs, but somebody thought it was a good idea to have a sign ordinance to start with! Tombstone style! Then to compare SoWal with Bay and Okaloosa Counties?!!! Has anyone noticed that Bay and Okaloosa Counties are thriving, growing, communities? So, we're the graveyard between 2 cities? What's the complaint about the new signs? The color? What, not white or cream? The audacity to think they could have a bold color? In SoWal, the unique, artist's community? NO!!! The size? They aren?t 20 feet, you know, if the signs do not comply with the sign ordinance then the county is breaking the ordinance, and should be penalized! What? Maybe it?s just CHANGE!!! Nobody wants change, and certainly not to be different!

 

[30A Skunkape]

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

You know, I liked the old signs, but somebody thought it was a good idea to have a sign ordinance to start with! Tombstone style! Then to compare SoWal with Bay and Okaloosa Counties?!!! Has anyone noticed that Bay and Okaloosa Counties are thriving, growing, communities? So, we're the graveyard between 2 cities? What's the complaint about the new signs? The color? What, not white or cream? The audacity to think they could have a bold color? In SoWal, the unique, artist's community? NO!!! The size? They aren?t 20 feet, you know, if the signs do not comply with the sign ordinance then the county is breaking the ordinance, and should be penalized! What? Maybe it?s just CHANGE!!! Nobody wants change, and certainly not to be different!

If you think SOWAL needs change to be different, you miss the entire point.

 

[John R]

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

From the article:

The project will include mile-marker signs, she added. Original plans called for 19 mile marker signs and 101 warning signs...."

I saw this also, yet no discussion so far. 120 more signs places by the the county? maybe they'll place the warning signs smack dab in the middle of the bike path "so people can see them". Paint on the asphalt would be less impactful. Maybe the signs are to be stop signs on every north facing crossing, that would make sense.

 

[Matt J]

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

I saw this also, yet no discussion so far. 120 more signs places by the the county? maybe they'll place the warning signs smack dab in the middle of the bike path "so people can see them". Paint on the asphalt would be less impactful. Maybe the signs are to be stop signs on every north facing crossing, that would make sense.

Are the 101 additional warning signs possibly for cross streets? I always stop at the bike path and look before proceeding. Some people just barrel right on up to the street and I've seen many a biker have to slam on their brakes and slide sideways to avoid them.

 

[tsutcli]

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

In the beginning there was just Seacrest from Camp Creek Lake east to Inlet Beach. Then, just as nature and developers abhor a vacuum or any empty land, Rosemary was planned. Not to be left behind, Doodle Harris envisioned a project and named it Seacrest Beach ( within Seacrest ) West of Rosemary, and the rest is history. Now Seacrest has ceased to exist and been renamed Seacrest Beach courtesy of the TDC - now there are two Seacrest Beachs' seperated by Alys Beach just to confuse the situation and the tourists.
For the record, the signs are butt ugly and do not fit into the area at all.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

Seacrest Beach fits more into the TDC's marketing of the "Beaches of South Walton."

 

[tsutcli]

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

Dave: you couldn't be more right on. As a local full-time resident, would like to volunteer for any venture you or anybody else organizes to replace these monstrosities, even if it means biting the bullet and scrapping them and the money already spent. Walton County has more than enough of South Waltons tax money to allow us to make the call.

 

[florida girl]

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

If you think SOWAL needs change to be different, you miss the entire point.

Thats SoWal.com, or South Walton? So, this is supposed to be an exclusive club? Doesn't that involve some kind of Homeowners Association with dues? So in order to be different, we have to be the same as everyone else in SoWal? Why do we want that?