New big blue signs in SoWal

[Dave Rauschkolb]

If I understand you correctly you think that there are more pressing issues or 'bigger fish to fry'. I disagree.

When I lived in New Orleans I heard the same opinion voiced whenever somebody tried to change an ordinance or get a variance regarding signage, trash receptacles, buildings or what have you in the French Quarter and an uproar ensued. Indeed, New Orleans has many problems of larger scale than signage, however, there are some citizens who recognize that the French Quarter is a treasure that must be preserved, and they would go through legal war to accomplish this. And it makes sense;people come from all over the world to step back in time-it can only be done in a few square blocks in New Orleans, not Orlando, Las Vegas or any other mecca of bad taste. People will pay money for that experience! And, I must add that there are no wayfinding signs in the Quarter, but maps are free in any hotel;the tourists seem to get where they are going.

I don't know if we yet have international visitors coming to 30-A to enjoy the scenic, unspoiled character, but rest assured, we will. To spoil the greatest asset belonging to 'The Beaches of South Walton' by those who are trying to market the area is awfully short sighted. I envision a time 30 years forward when 30-A still looks like 30-A, and HWY 98 is one strip mall and gas station after another from Panama City to Fort Walton! That day will come and we need to be ready to offer an unspoiled, relaxing destination for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. That is why we need to fight this first little bit of blight on 30A with full force now! Those big blue signs set a precedent that big signs are tolerable. And they are not. Neither are unilateral decisions on the TDC's part.

If 30-A is one big bundle of clutter, what then will make it any more of a desirable destination than Destin, Panama City or Clearwater? The logic of erecting the signs in an effort to draw distinction between 'The Beaches of South Walton' and 'Destin' (a stated goal by one of the TDC members) is obviously flawed when the signage will do nothing but narrow the clutter gap that seperates the two.

The debate is not just about the signs-it is about the long term viablility of 30-A as a true escape from the Disnification of the state and country in general.

If you suggest that there are larger issues than preserving 30-A for both visitors and those of us who have put down roots here, I am all ears.

Amen Skunkape Very insightful and forward thinking; we must do all we can to preserve all of what makes Scenic 30-A special; not only for our visitors but for our residents.

 

[Allifunn]

Amen Skunkape Very insightful and forward thinking; we must do all we can to preserve all of what makes Scenic 30-A special; not only for our visitors but for our residents.

He got some rep from me for his post! It was a wonderful post!
BTW: Thank you, Dave, for your representation!

 

[Smiling JOe]

I'm in Atlanta, so I am just now reading the reports "from the front". I laughed when Bdarg told me about the TDC's "study". They had some phone numbers from people that came through the TDC, called these people and asked them what? "Do you like our new signs?" They probably did not frame the question with any background info! So Joe Tourist says, "Well, uh, yeah, the signs are nice I guess." What they heck is he supposed to say?

I also heard that Mary Brown, on the TDC board, and owner of Beach rentals of South Walton, reported the results of asking her customers about the signs. Once again, I would like to know how this question was asked.

Y'all rocked last night- I am proud of our community.

Mary Brown actually admitted that less people come into her business because we now had wayfinding signs. I really think that people stopping to ask for directions and restaurant recommendations is part of that which makes our area so different from Destin and special. There are maps located at the TDC building, grocery stores, rental offices, real estate offices, and I am sure the directions to their rental units are on the web or their confirmation for reservations.

 

[Smiling JOe]

The TDC information page can be seen at http://www.partners.beachesofsouthwalton.com/UpLoads/2005 Org Chart.pdf

Looks like they left out the Board of Directors.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Well 30A skunape I wasn't at the meeting last night. I just think there are really bad things out there. And all this about a SIGN!

What does your statement mean? It sounds like you were busy last night fighting for something you think is more important. Maybe you were, and that is your prerogative. If you don't don't care about the signs based on other priorities of your own, that is fine. As Herman Cain wrote in one of his books on leadership, his grandpa had a saying (and I am paraphrasing), "Them thats going to town, get on the wagon. Them that ain't, get the hell out of the way."

 

[Rita]

What does your statement mean? It sounds like you were busy last night fighting for something you think is more important. Maybe you were, and that is your prerogative. If you don't don't care about the signs based on other priorities of your own, that is fine. As Herman Cain wrote in one of his books on leadership, his grandpa had a saying (and I am paraphrasing), "Them thats going to town, get on the wagon. Them that ain't, get the hell out of the way."

.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Please enlighten me.

I am going to keep it clean. Let's just say that I know enough about Theo, that I wasn't surprised to see him going against the flow last night.

 

[Sheila]

Well 30A skunape I wasn't at the meeting last night. I just think there are really bad things out there. And all this about a SIGN!

Please elaborate.

 

[organicmama]

If I understand you correctly you think that there are more pressing issues or 'bigger fish to fry'. I disagree.

When I lived in New Orleans I heard the same opinion voiced whenever somebody tried to change an ordinance or get a variance regarding signage, trash receptacles, buildings or what have you in the French Quarter and an uproar ensued. Indeed, New Orleans has many problems of larger scale than signage, however, there are some citizens who recognize that the French Quarter is a treasure that must be preserved, and they would go through legal war to accomplish this. And it makes sense;people come from all over the world to step back in time-it can only be done in a few square blocks in New Orleans, not Orlando, Las Vegas or any other mecca of bad taste. People will pay money for that experience! And, I must add that there are no wayfinding signs in the Quarter, but maps are free in any hotel;the tourists seem to get where they are going.

I don't know if we yet have international visitors coming to 30-A to enjoy the scenic, unspoiled character, but rest assured, we will. To spoil the greatest asset belonging to 'The Beaches of South Walton' by those who are trying to market the area is awfully short sighted. I envision a time 30 years forward when 30-A still looks like 30-A, and HWY 98 is one strip mall and gas station after another from Panama City to Fort Walton! That day will come and we need to be ready to offer an unspoiled, relaxing destination for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. That is why we need to fight this first little bit of blight on 30A with full force now! Those big blue signs set a precedent that big signs are tolerable. And they are not. Neither are unilateral decisions on the TDC's part.

If 30-A is one big bundle of clutter, what then will make it any more of a desirable destination than Destin, Panama City or Clearwater? The logic of erecting the signs in an effort to draw distinction between 'The Beaches of South Walton' and 'Destin' (a stated goal by one of the TDC members) is obviously flawed when the signage will do nothing but narrow the clutter gap that seperates the two.

The debate is not just about the signs-it is about the long term viablility of 30-A as a true escape from the Disnification of the state and country in general.

If you suggest that there are larger issues than preserving 30-A for both visitors and those of us who have put down roots here, I am all ears.

Skunky, well said!Punzy's got you well-trained!

I am just catching up and couldn't be there last night because if Tracy thought y'all were out of control, adding little wild man in would have been over the top. Three kids doesn't make for me attending meetings, but signed the petition by Mr. OM and me and also had send emails earlier to everyone involved.

Will work to be there at the TDC meeting, as Mr. OM is home in AM.

SoWal, y'all rock!!!!

 

[chrisv]

Mary Brown actually admitted that less people come into her business because we now had wayfinding signs. I really think that people stopping to ask for directions and restaurant recommendations is part of that which makes our area so different from Destin and special. There are maps located at the TDC building, grocery stores, rental offices, real estate offices, and I am sure the directions to their rental units are on the web or their confirmation for reservations.

Mary made that same statement at the February 13 meeting. It was less than believable when she said it then, and sounds like a desperate ploy to sound relevant now.