Vote for Visit South Walton Logo

Thanks for posting the study pdf. Although it includes some research it looks like the conclusions are more like the opinions of one or two people.

I will echo the statement made here that there are a few local excellent designers who could do a much better job. They would do a lot more work and "research" on designs before ever presenting them to anyone.

This is not a weekend project for a popsicle stand, this is a for a billion-dollar brand. It should be a long term project with a lot of thought for something that should last for generations. Seems like someone is very keen on "out with old" no matter the cost. This is the kind of mistake that causes heads to roll.


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Let me say this as simply and succinctly as I can. The logo selection made was stupid! The umbrellas were much more indicative of the South Walton area.

You're welcome. It has been an interesting process to observe, and there have been a lot of different opinions. At the county commission meeting this week the TDC director said he had been for another option, the modified single umbrella. Commissioner Meadows pointed out that the logo had been arrived at through a democratic process.
Beginning last year The TDC Marketing Committee began looking at the current logo and what changes should be made. It was on their agenda for several meetings, I understand. This is a community-based committee that holds meetings that are open to the public. The logo was also on the TDC agenda a number of times. The Marketing Committee's recommendation was brought before the TDC on Aug. 5 along with the report on the research and surveys. The committee's recommendation had been arrived at with several dissenting votes, I believe it was reported, and it was for the Sun Wave as top choice followed by the modified single umbrella. The committee recommendation was approved by the TDC, but that vote as well was not unanimous. So that resulted in the recommendation for the Sun Wave being brought before the county commission this week. The TDC director's comment was, "We could look at those things for 10 years and nobody would ever agree."

Thanks for posting the study pdf. Although it includes some research it looks like the conclusions are more like the opinions of one or two people.

I will echo the statement made here that there are a few local excellent designers who could do a much better job. They would do a lot more work and "research" on designs before ever presenting them to anyone.

This is not a weekend project for a popsicle stand, this is a for a billion-dollar brand. It should be a long term project with a lot of thought for something that should last for generations. Seems like someone is very keen on "out with old" no matter the cost. This is the kind of mistake that causes heads to roll.


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I agree with all that you said (I couldn't open attachment), except the last line. I don't think "heads will roll", but a whole of eyes are rolling in their heads.

Just start over and use the sheriff's new tactical assault vehicle as the logo to show everyone how progressive we are down here when it comes to militarizing our peace officers.

I agree with all that you said (I couldn't open attachment), except the last line. I don't think "heads will roll", but a whole of eyes are rolling in their heads.

Tried to do a screenshot from the pdf showing votes. But you can open it and take a look.

About heads rolling.... maybe not or it may come to that once it is realized by powerful bed tax collectors how expensive this is going to be - and such a short time after spending so much for a logo a couple of years ago (although that may be written off as BP money). I agree the current logo is bad. But why throw good money after bad? Let's do it right.

It reportedly cost about a million bucks to add Gulf Place to marketing materials. The logo is a much bigger deal.

About the democratic process - sometimes leadership is needed from people who have sense. Committees and voting often achieve a watered down compromise solution. Sometimes doing the right thing takes courage and vision. Apparently what we are really lacking in this county is vision and leadership.

A real designer would come up with 3 excellent designs with reasoning behind each one and pitch the one they like best and have reasons for it. An excellent logo usually gets near universal approval. But Bagby is also right that people won't agree in ten years. Not with a collection of poo like the one we have been presented with.

Sorry - wish I could be more succinct like Andy.

I agree with Jim Tucker. The logo should make it very clear that South Walton has something to do with beaches. 99% of the time when I tell people we have a home in South Walton, they ask where that is. The only thing I can do to explain to them that South Walton has something to do with a beach is say, "Well, it's halfway between Destin and Panama City Beach." Only the umbrella logo makes that clear, although I remember on this very message board that posters complained that the umbrellas reminded them of the symbol for a fallout shelter. I know it's too late to say anything, but I had no confidence that our voices wouldn't affect the final result. So now we have an eyebrow and a mustache, not exactly clear that South Walton has anything to do with beaches unless you already know. But maybe that's good -- the roads and the beaches in South Walton are already crowded enough. We don't need more visitors.

McDonald's, Coke, Pepsi, Publix, Walgreen's, Xerox, Kodak, Ford, GM, etc.

Anyone want to name some other brands that don't change their brands and marks based on a timeline which seems to coincide with the marketing companies bonus payments?

I voted umbrella, but on the bright side, we no longer have the feminine hygiene font to deal with.

If they paint the new logo on the water tower, I'm going to think of...

Marketing shouldn't be democratic. It should be performed by actual marketing professionals.

Top left with the red and white umbrellas.

Imagine how much better that logo will look on a white background on the Sandestin water tower. Right now, it's that aqua cursive logo on a vomit colored background. Am I right?

Fresh Paint