New big blue signs in SoWal

[Beach House 25]

Beach House, have you ever attended a BCC meeting? I have attended BCC meetings that were standing room only. If there is something "big" going on (and this is big), there will be plenty of people there.

Been to several, Covered a few News worthy stories here in the past. I hope your correct, and I certainly am not disputing your opinion of how many peeps will show up. Your GUESS is as worthy as mine correct. I mean no one knows what will happen until than?
So far and I am not meaning to sound like a smart Astrix, I have seen many post about these signs and votes on a poll and a Guy go to TDC to drop of a check on a national holiday only to have it returned because thats not how the system works. I also seen where only one person has made the contact direct to them by sitting down talking with the acting director and returned with his check in hand and a message that the meeting will be held in February. I take my hat off to the one man! But hey its not about you or me.... its about what the government we elected to represent us decides to do. I know that this was put to a committee and a vote back in 2002... where was all this attention than? I can get the minutes from those meetings I am sure they kept them, But again, I enjoy watching the underdogs fight for whats right!

Underdogs you ask? Yes those that are showing a dislike for something that was voted on 6 years ago after a committee of residents from Walton county proposed these signs.

Not being augmentative here, but Like them or not we agreed to them by proxy of not getting involved 6 years ago. This is just my opinion.

 

[Jdarg]

Been to several, Covered a few News worthy stories here in the past. I hope your correct, and I certainly am not disputing your opinion of how many peeps will show up. Your GUESS is as worthy as mine correct. I mean no one knows what will happen until than?
So far and I am not meaning to sound like a smart Astrix, I have seen many post about these signs and votes on a poll and a Guy go to TDC to drop of a check on a national holiday only to have it returned because thats not how the system works. I also seen where only one person has made the contact direct to them by sitting down talking with the acting director and returned with his check in hand and a message that the meeting will be held in February. I take my hat off to the one man! But hey its not about you or me.... its about what the government we elected to represent us decides to do. I know that this was put to a committee and a vote back in 2002... where was all this attention than? I can get the minutes from those meetings I am sure they kept them, But again, I enjoy watching the underdogs fight for whats right!

Underdogs you ask? Yes those that are showing a dislike for something that was voted on 6 years ago after a committee of residents from Walton county proposed these signs.

Not being augmentative here, but Like them or not we agreed to them by proxy of not getting involved 6 years ago. This is just my opinion.

2008 in South Walton is a much different place than 2002. There wasn't a message board to help people network, interact, and unite easily. Without a daily newspaper, I am sure it was harder to organize.

I have a feeling that there will be quite a few big local players at this meeting, and that is influential.

Many peeps have attended the meetings about public vs. private beaches and the playground/park (Mission Playpark). I'm tired and can't remember all the issues, but most meetings that I have attended or heard about have been well-attended.

 

[Jdarg]

I am so glad I have a little optimism. It tends to make things happen, rather than assuming failure. This community has really started uniting for issues that affect it.

This is not a SoWal.com created issue. It is a community issue that has been covered in the 2 widely read local newspapers- NWFL Daily and The Sun. I doubt they decided to print the stories because 48 people were talking about it on a message board.

Hey BH25 - just curious- in what capacity have you "covered" news stories. Are you a journalist?

 

[Smiling JOe]

JOe I take it from past post you were here in 2002? If so why was this not an issue than?

Yes, I was here in 2002 and never once heard any public announcement requesting input on these signs. I can tell you that many of today's SoWallers were not owners in 2002. Seriously, five years working on sign design is too long, and I seriously doubt they were actually requesting input on the design, five years ago. The design should take no more than two weeks for a professional graphics team to create.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Ask Allen Osborn about the reported FACTS which the County uses. Facts of record do not necessarily equate to facts. Either way, the point of this thread, regardless of the 2000 Census, is that most people polled in this thread, think the signs are horrid. At a recent BCC meeting, a subdivision was debating the percentage of the vote of homeonwers to change C&Rs of said subdivision. More than one person objected to the request to use 70% as the percentage of property owners needed to change the C&Rs, and some noted that a subdivision would be lucky to see a 10% response to changing C&Rs. This poll actually has 73% in agreement that the signs are horrid, and insinuates that a change is needed. That is a strong number. That is strong enough that if it were a legislative item of the Congress, the President couldn't veto it.

 

[Indigo Jill]

I would love to know how many that voted that the signs are horrid here have gone a step further and sent the CCs a note? Anyone know? Any comment from the TDC or from the county? Are they being flooded with emails/calls/mail?

I can't wait to see how this will all play out. And the beat goes on....

 

[Jdarg]

Beachhouse- Let me tell you what is personal. Your assumption that none of these good people will show at a BCC meeting is insulting. Insulting to people that have worked hard and long on other issues and have shown up for meetings. People that take time out of their busy schedules to care and try and make this area the best that it can be. Your comments last night were insulting, and they are just as ridiculous today. Congratulations on helping tear down community input before it starts, instead of helping to build it.

Regarding the SoWal poll, it apparently mirrors the feeling of the community at large. I have yet to read about anyone that likes the signs- all media commentary has been negative. Why do you think it is not accurate just because lurkers might vote but not want to post? I have voted on several SoWal polls without commentary.

 

[Smiling JOe]

My mistake. The email didn't mention that the funding was by only the TDC. The email I received from the TDC follows.


For Immediate Release
Contact: Tracy Louthain
Walton County TDC

850-267-1216

BEACHES OF SOUTH WALTON TDC APPROVES CONTRACTOR TO
INSTALL WAYFINDING SIGNAGE

WALTON COUNTY, Fla.—January 11, 2008—Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC) hired NW Sign Industries to fabricate and install wayfinding signage throughout Walton County. Installation began this week on the signs, which include gateway signs, community signs and community connectors.

“We are excited to finally be underway with this project,” said Kriss Titus, executive director of the TDC. “The former community signs have been in rough shape for years and we wanted to enhance our visitors’ experience by providing wayfinding signage. The new signage will help direct visitors through the destination and further brand Beaches of South Walton creating a sense of place while they are here.”

The gateway signs will be located at all highway entry points into Walton County .(interesting, because they seem to have screwed that one up) The community signs will be positioned at the entrance to each beach communities along County Road 30A. Community connector signs will direct visitors to various beach communities at intersections and other key locations. A total of 49 signs will be installed at the completion of the project. Once the project is complete, the TDC will inspect all signs to ensure they are installed to the accurate height and design specifications, and make adjustments where necessary.

Designed in conjunction with highway department design specifications, the signs meet FDOT standards and are engineered to withstand up to 130-mph winds.

Titus went on to say “we chose these signs to complement our existing beach kiosk signs, which have proved to be durable and withstand the harsh elements including salt air and high winds.

The project will cost $260,000 and will be almost fully complete by the end of January. For more information on the wayfinding signage program, contact Sonny Mares, TDC’s director of administration at (850) 267-1216.


Tracy Louthain, APR
Director of Public Relations & Visitor Services
Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council
P.O. Box 1248
Santa Rosa Beach , FL 32459 USA
Phone: 850-267-1216 ext. 122
Fax: 850-267-3943
Website: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com

Beaches of South Walton" - host to Florida Encounter 2007 www.encounter.visitflorida.com

 

[Smiling JOe]

The blue is easier to stomach after the sun sets.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Hey, Minnie, I notice additional free maps of 30A and Destin, today, at the WaterColor Publix.