Grayt editorial in the Beach Breeze/DeFuniak Herald...
New big blue signs in SoWal
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Dave, agree on signs being helpful but not THESE SIGNS -- the style, color and size could be more consistent with the beauty we enjoy in our part of paradise on 30A.
Here is a summary of BCC minutes pertaining to signs. The ones in 2002-2004 were the ones for the larger signs on entrances into Walton County (gateways and seven specific locations) and the new government buildings on 331. These were needed to be in compliance with 98 Scenic requirements and building designation on new buildings such as Coastal Branch Library, South Walton Government Annex and South Walton Sheriff Substation as well as the South Walton High School. These were presented in numerous public forums as outlined on the minutes.
The signs on 30A were approved in 2007. There is nothing in the record to indicate what other committees/commissions reviewed these before the vote.
The following was provided by the TDC:
Summary of BCC Meeting Minutes regarding Wayfinding Sign Project
September 24, 2002:
Mrs. Titus gave an update on the Wayfindinging/Streetscape Program. She stated that the committee met and the information has been submitted to the Scenic Corridor Committee, Design Review Board, and the Planning Commission. She requested approval to move forward with the site strategy plan for the placement of signs. Further recommendations will be made and presented for approval. Commissioner Rees stated that he is well pleased with TDC?s direction. Mrs. Titus showed pictures of the new designs for signage.
Motion by Commissioner Pauls, second by Commissioner Ryan to direct TDC staff to continue on the Wayfinding Program and strategic site plan. Ayes 4, Nayes 0. Pauls Aye, Jones Aye, Rees Aye, Ryan Aye.
January 14, 2003:
Mr. Collier explained that there were no plans included for signage when the South Walton Courthouse Annex was drafted. He stated that he is attempting to provide signage that matches the Tourist Development Council?s design. There is funding in the contingency budget. Mr. Collier stated that a sign is also needed for the South Walton Sheriff?s Annex.
Motion by Commissioner Pauls, second by Commissioner Pridgen to approve the purchase of necessary signage for the South Walton Courthouse Annex and Sheriff?s Department. Ayes 5, Nayes 0. Rees Aye, Pridgen Aye, Jones Aye, Cuchens Aye, Pauls Aye.
January 27, 2004:
Mrs. Titus advised that she received only one responsive bid in the amount of $35,995.00 for replacement signage. Commissioner Pauls advised that this will bring the TDC into compliance with chapter 13 of the Scenic Corridor Standards.
Motion by Commissioner Pauls, second by Commissioner Rees to approve the request. Ayes 5, Nayes 0. Rees Aye, Pridgen Aye, Jones Aye, Cuchens Aye, Pauls Aye.
April 13, 2004:
Mrs. Titus presented a copy of the proposed Gateway signs. She stated that an optional change in color was added in blue. She requested approval of the design and location for the signs. Commissioner Pauls spoke about consistency with all of the county?s signage.
Motion by Commissioner Rees, second by Commissioner Pauls to approve the signage and the seven proposed locations. Ayes 4, Nayes 1. Jones Aye, Rees Aye, Pauls Aye, Cuchens Naye, and Pridgen Aye.
May 25, 2005:
Ms. Titus discussed the purchase and installment of the Beach Access Flag Warning System. She stated that the purpose of the new warning system is the replacement and enhancement of the existing beach safety signage, and is also part of the overall Master Signage Program. Ms. Titus requested that the Board approve the purchase and installation of the beach access flag warning system to be placed at 56 walkover locations from the following low bidder:
Guidance Pathway Systems, Inc. $137,650.00
She stated that all beach kiosks were removed by Hurricane Ivan and that these signs incorporate information from the Walton County Beach Education and Safety Committee. Ms. Titus submitted an overview of the information that would be provided by the beach access flag warning system.
Motion by Commissioner Meadows, second by Commissioner Jones, to approve the purchase and installment of the Beach Access Flag Warning System from Guidance Pathway Systems, Inc., low bidder, for the amount of $137,650.00. Ayes 4, Nayes 0. Pridgen Aye, Brannon Aye, Jones Aye, Meadows Aye.
August 14, 2007:
Ms. McCaskill, requested the Board award to NW Sign Industries, Inc. the bid to produce gateway and community signs. The bid is for 10 gateway signs, 23 community identification signs and 13 community connector signs. NW Sign Industries, Inc. bid of $260,000 was the second lowest bid. The lowest bidder did not submit a bid bond and was thereby disqualified.
Motion by Commissioner Jones, second by Commissioner Meadows, to award NW Sign Industries, Inc. the bid to produce gateway and community signs. Ayes 5, Nays 0, Pridgen Aye, Meadows Aye, Jones Aye, Brannon Aye, Comander Aye.
Here is a summary of BCC minutes pertaining to signs. The ones in 2002-2004 were the ones for the larger signs on entrances into Walton County (gateways and seven specific locations) and the new government buildings on 331. These were needed to be in compliance with 98 Scenic requirements and building designation on new buildings such as Coastal Branch Library, South Walton Government Annex and South Walton Sheriff Substation as well as the South Walton High School. These were presented in numerous public forums as outlined on the minutes.
The signs on 30A were approved in 2007. There is nothing in the record to indicate what other committees/commissions reviewed these before the vote.
The following was provided by the TDC:
Summary of BCC Meeting Minutes regarding Wayfinding Sign Project
September 24, 2002:
Mrs. Titus gave an update on the Wayfindinging/Streetscape Program. She stated that the committee met and the information has been submitted to the Scenic Corridor Committee, Design Review Board, and the Planning Commission. She requested approval to move forward with the site strategy plan for the placement of signs. Further recommendations will be made and presented for approval. Commissioner Rees stated that he is well pleased with TDC?s direction. Mrs. Titus showed pictures of the new designs for signage.
Motion by Commissioner Pauls, second by Commissioner Ryan to direct TDC staff to continue on the Wayfinding Program and strategic site plan. Ayes 4, Nayes 0. Pauls Aye, Jones Aye, Rees Aye, Ryan Aye.
January 14, 2003:
Mr. Collier explained that there were no plans included for signage when the South Walton Courthouse Annex was drafted. He stated that he is attempting to provide signage that matches the Tourist Development Council?s design. There is funding in the contingency budget. Mr. Collier stated that a sign is also needed for the South Walton Sheriff?s Annex.
Motion by Commissioner Pauls, second by Commissioner Pridgen to approve the purchase of necessary signage for the South Walton Courthouse Annex and Sheriff?s Department. Ayes 5, Nayes 0. Rees Aye, Pridgen Aye, Jones Aye, Cuchens Aye, Pauls Aye.
January 27, 2004:
Mrs. Titus advised that she received only one responsive bid in the amount of $35,995.00 for replacement signage. Commissioner Pauls advised that this will bring the TDC into compliance with chapter 13 of the Scenic Corridor Standards.
Motion by Commissioner Pauls, second by Commissioner Rees to approve the request. Ayes 5, Nayes 0. Rees Aye, Pridgen Aye, Jones Aye, Cuchens Aye, Pauls Aye.
April 13, 2004:
Mrs. Titus presented a copy of the proposed Gateway signs. She stated that an optional change in color was added in blue. She requested approval of the design and location for the signs. Commissioner Pauls spoke about consistency with all of the county?s signage.
Motion by Commissioner Rees, second by Commissioner Pauls to approve the signage and the seven proposed locations. Ayes 4, Nayes 1. Jones Aye, Rees Aye, Pauls Aye, Cuchens Naye, and Pridgen Aye.
May 25, 2005:
Ms. Titus discussed the purchase and installment of the Beach Access Flag Warning System. She stated that the purpose of the new warning system is the replacement and enhancement of the existing beach safety signage, and is also part of the overall Master Signage Program. Ms. Titus requested that the Board approve the purchase and installation of the beach access flag warning system to be placed at 56 walkover locations from the following low bidder:
Guidance Pathway Systems, Inc. $137,650.00
She stated that all beach kiosks were removed by Hurricane Ivan and that these signs incorporate information from the Walton County Beach Education and Safety Committee. Ms. Titus submitted an overview of the information that would be provided by the beach access flag warning system.
Motion by Commissioner Meadows, second by Commissioner Jones, to approve the purchase and installment of the Beach Access Flag Warning System from Guidance Pathway Systems, Inc., low bidder, for the amount of $137,650.00. Ayes 4, Nayes 0. Pridgen Aye, Brannon Aye, Jones Aye, Meadows Aye.
August 14, 2007:
Ms. McCaskill, requested the Board award to NW Sign Industries, Inc. the bid to produce gateway and community signs. The bid is for 10 gateway signs, 23 community identification signs and 13 community connector signs. NW Sign Industries, Inc. bid of $260,000 was the second lowest bid. The lowest bidder did not submit a bid bond and was thereby disqualified.
Motion by Commissioner Jones, second by Commissioner Meadows, to award NW Sign Industries, Inc. the bid to produce gateway and community signs. Ayes 5, Nays 0, Pridgen Aye, Meadows Aye, Jones Aye, Brannon Aye, Comander Aye.
HYDROSTAN
Beach Lover
Maybe they could make the back of the signs the new mile markers.Seems like there is one about every mile.
How about a speedometer/odometer check?
"breaker, breaker, Good Buddy. This here's the Rubber Duck. I'm east bound on scenic 30A, approaching mile marker 11, and I almost wrecked when those girls in bikinis crossed the street in front of me. Whooo-weee! Rubber Duck, out!"
Walton TDC halts installation of signs
A workshop will be held in late march to hear residents? concerns
Andy Meinen
Thursday February 28th, 2008
Comment on this Story | Read Comments
SANTA ROSA BEACH ? The installation of the big blue signs on Walton County Road 30A is on hold, at least for now.
The county?s Tourist Development Council decided to halt the process until a workshop is held the last week of March with residents.
Tracy Louthain, spokeswoman for the TDC, said the meeting, which hasn?t been officially set, will let both sides air their differences over the blue road signs that have caused such an outcry over the last few months.
"We believe there is an amicable solution out there," she said.
Louthain said she will announce the time and location of the meeting in a few days when she gets the gathering finalized.
South Walton resident Claire Bannerman is coordinating with the TDC to set up the workshop and get the signs removed. She said the metal signs degrade the beauty and character of CR 30A and South Walton. Bannerman has been active in the issue and has been questioned repeatedly about the signs from strangers and friends.
"I get cold calls from people I don?t know telling me that they don?t like the signs," she said. "The whole buzz lately has been the blue signs."
So why do so many people have such a problem with them?
"It?s the size, the font and the placement is horrific," she said.
Residents are protective of the area, she added.
Bannerman said she and many others are proud of the signs that had been installed by communities such as Rosemary Beach, WaterColor and Alys Beach; not so with the "big blue monsters" the TDC began to install last month.
The TDC spent about $260,000 to install 49 signs that include wayfinding, gateway and neighborhood markers for each community. Louthain said most of the 49 road markers have been put in, but noted that all installation along the CR 30A corridor has stopped. She isn?t sure how many signs are left to be put in.
Bannerman said the workshop will be a time for both sides to find a solution. However, the TDC should listen closely to residents? comments or its image could be damaged in the public?s eyes.
"Sometimes we all make mistakes," she said.
But the TDC will have a "loss of standing with residents, locals and visitors" if something isn?t done about the signs, Bannerman added. "The TDC didn?t connect with the sensitive citizens along 30A."
Dave Rauschkolb, owner of Bud and Alley?s, agreed.
He said that he?s willing to start a fund to pay for the removal of the signs. He took a $1,000 check of his own to the TDC last week, but the council couldn?t take it.
Louthain said if the TDC and residents decide at the workshop to set up a nonprofit group or a bank account to raise money for the removal process, then that would be the appropriate time to collect money. The TDC doesn?t have the ability or framework at this time to accept donations for the removal process, she said.
The area?s attraction is at the heart of the issue for Rauschkolb and others, and the blue signs take away from that.
"The more you can do to preserve the character of the area, the more people will come because that is inherently beautiful," he said.
Daily News Staff Writer Andy Meinen can be reached at 654-6905.
A workshop will be held in late march to hear residents? concerns
Andy Meinen
Thursday February 28th, 2008
Comment on this Story | Read Comments
SANTA ROSA BEACH ? The installation of the big blue signs on Walton County Road 30A is on hold, at least for now.
The county?s Tourist Development Council decided to halt the process until a workshop is held the last week of March with residents.
Tracy Louthain, spokeswoman for the TDC, said the meeting, which hasn?t been officially set, will let both sides air their differences over the blue road signs that have caused such an outcry over the last few months.
"We believe there is an amicable solution out there," she said.
Louthain said she will announce the time and location of the meeting in a few days when she gets the gathering finalized.
South Walton resident Claire Bannerman is coordinating with the TDC to set up the workshop and get the signs removed. She said the metal signs degrade the beauty and character of CR 30A and South Walton. Bannerman has been active in the issue and has been questioned repeatedly about the signs from strangers and friends.
"I get cold calls from people I don?t know telling me that they don?t like the signs," she said. "The whole buzz lately has been the blue signs."
So why do so many people have such a problem with them?
"It?s the size, the font and the placement is horrific," she said.
Residents are protective of the area, she added.
Bannerman said she and many others are proud of the signs that had been installed by communities such as Rosemary Beach, WaterColor and Alys Beach; not so with the "big blue monsters" the TDC began to install last month.
The TDC spent about $260,000 to install 49 signs that include wayfinding, gateway and neighborhood markers for each community. Louthain said most of the 49 road markers have been put in, but noted that all installation along the CR 30A corridor has stopped. She isn?t sure how many signs are left to be put in.
Bannerman said the workshop will be a time for both sides to find a solution. However, the TDC should listen closely to residents? comments or its image could be damaged in the public?s eyes.
"Sometimes we all make mistakes," she said.
But the TDC will have a "loss of standing with residents, locals and visitors" if something isn?t done about the signs, Bannerman added. "The TDC didn?t connect with the sensitive citizens along 30A."
Dave Rauschkolb, owner of Bud and Alley?s, agreed.
He said that he?s willing to start a fund to pay for the removal of the signs. He took a $1,000 check of his own to the TDC last week, but the council couldn?t take it.
Louthain said if the TDC and residents decide at the workshop to set up a nonprofit group or a bank account to raise money for the removal process, then that would be the appropriate time to collect money. The TDC doesn?t have the ability or framework at this time to accept donations for the removal process, she said.
The area?s attraction is at the heart of the issue for Rauschkolb and others, and the blue signs take away from that.
"The more you can do to preserve the character of the area, the more people will come because that is inherently beautiful," he said.
Daily News Staff Writer Andy Meinen can be reached at 654-6905.
Good News!
HYDROSTAN
Beach Lover
Then I guess my plan on using back of signs as mile markers would not work. Guess they will have to go with the lighted mile markers as planned.How about a speedometer/odometer check?
What is your opionion on the new proposed lighted mile markers?