Chickpea

Indeed!

Great job Dave.

Smiling JOe

Today, as I was driving through the blue sign areas, I was hit with three questions. I believe one may have been addressed, but I am now more confused than ever about the areas and these freaking signs. I used to know where things were, before these dang signs got posted.

1) The TDC is trying to promote the Beach Communities. They say that Alys Beach isn't a "Beach Community," so it doesn't get a sign. Every sign, naming an area gets the word, "beach," placed behind the community name. OOPS! All but one, Seaside. If they are including only beach communities in the new names, why didn't they changed Seaside to "Seaside Beach?"

2) The development of Seacrest Beach appears to be located east of the signs, designating Seacrest Beach. Now if people in Seacrest Beach, the development, are already confused about having a Panama City Beach address, while being in Santa Rosa Beach, they are really going to be confused, when they have to tell people that they are located east of Seacrest Beach.

3) WaterSound Beach. Sounds good, and for the most part, it is accurate. However, now Prominence, which has no beach, but is located in the area designated by the signs as, "WaterSound Beach," gets to advertise that they are located in WaterSound Beach. What the ef is up with that? The more I think about the way these names and places were chosen, the more I want to throw up in my mouth.

__________________

kurt

To clarify a bit, the TDC has what they call "beach communities". It is an official designation they use in promoting the area. I'm not sure what the criteria are to become a "beach community". I remember recently a press release announcing WaterSound Beach as a new "beach community" in the "Beaches Of South Walton". I expect Alys Beach will be on board at some point. Probably about the time they are ready to promote their vacation rentals and new businesses opening there.


See more photos of the signs ...

Smiling JOe

I cannot wait to start giving directions when tourist season arrives. I can see the confusion already, and we will all look like idiots as we try to explain to some people to ignore the signs, because they confusing.

__________________

Landlocked

__________________
I know I don't get there often enough,
but God knows I surely try
It's a magic kind of medicine,
that no doctor could prescribe.

up4golf

it will look like we have all been on vacation to long and lost in margaritaville.

JUL

I know I miss the former detour/biketrail and

JUL

Signs, signs everywhere signs.....

Smiling JOe

I love Grabber Blue, but only on Bosses.

__________________

Dave Rauschkolb

Good Morning from Tampa JOe. Still thinking of Y'all down here. There are 17
days until the Commissioners meeting. If we prevail, there will be no signs by March. To quote a prominent developer on 30-A. "The big blue monsters must go!" Meditate on that......

NotDeadYet

I think we should insist that the TDC immediately order two more signs.

Welcome To Brickyard Beach

Welcome to Beach Highlands Beach

amp in srb

First. I loathe the signs.

No aesthetic value.

Second. What is the total coast of designing, building, installing and well apparently re-installing those things???????

Have we nothing better to deal with?????

Smiling JOe

According to the TDC's spokeperson, the total costs of those signs is $260,000, or $5306 per sign on average. Not all of the signs are erected.

...and there is another $160,000 allocated to spend on 100+ more signs along the Timpoochee Trail (multi-use trail along 30A).

__________________

amp in srb

Hmmmmmm.

That doesn't make me smile Joe.

It seems there are more signs than sights nowadays.

NoHall

Thanks for the pics, Kurt. It's hard to put in perspective just how ugly they are without good pictures...the pictures help. What a nasty mess.

__________________

TooFarTampa

Good morning from Tampa Dave. Sincerest thanks for all your efforts.

sunsetbaby

Brickyard Beach....it is one of the original landmarks! Boy those were the days!

The sign that has me baffled is the one on 331 causeway! Welcome to Walton County! What are they thinking...better yet that's it, they didn't think at all from what I can see in the finished product!

Smiling JOe

I'm rather surprised that they didn't make the 331 sign, "Welcome to South Walton County," because they seem to think it is a different county than Walton County. You know, like West Virginia vs Virginia.

__________________

sunsetbaby

I agree...not sure where there heads were in this...The way it reads though is very confusing to tourist...it's not the county line and shouldn't read like it is!

Though maybe it's a sign that the south is the most important part of the county...we have been overlooked for a long time...Sowallers will make sure that changes! I feel it in my bones...the south will rise!

Smiling JOe

I am also surprised that a marketing team like the TDC hasn't included their website address on each sign.

__________________

Chickpea

You have got to be KIDDING!!!!! Seriously??????? $5300 per sign

sowalvisitor

Just imagine everyone who posts on this board shows up at the upcoming meeting...don't you all think an impact would be made? I wish I could fly in from California to support all of you. Good luck and make your voices heard loud and clear! Talking is good..action is needed!

scooterbug44

Sadly, we paid A LOT MORE for these signs! This isn't a case of the lowest bidder and "you get what you paid for".

I swear, every time I see these signs I find something ELSE wrong with them! So far the list includes:

1) Signs do not correctly give directions. (If I used the signs, I would never find my house in Seagrove or get to Inlet Beach.)

2) The signs are so high I can't read them from inside my car......and the small print doesn't help! I'm young w/ 20/20 and I am craning my neck and squinting to read the text!

3) There is no consistancy, as I was trying to find a common denominator in their height above ground, above the centerline of the road, heading up a hill, general height etc.

4) Signs delineate boundaries at locations I wasn't aware of, ignore distinctive communities, or due to real estate marketing/piggybacking, tourists will be even more confused that areas such as "the preserve at grayton" are not in grayton.

5) Some signs are installed so far from the road that you can't read them - sign by Tom Thumb/Angelina's is seriously 10-15' from the side of the road!

6) If the purpose of these signs is to give direction/information, they fail! Not only are some of the signs completely inaccurate, they don't give mileages, a general area map, or any basic info despite plenty o' blank space.

7) The color is completely wrong and a jarring eyesore!

__________________
"I hate to break it to you, but this year (and probably the next few) was going to suck even if Jesus himself was president. These problems were not created overnight and they aren't going away overnight." -Jdarg

sunsetbaby

I Love It! Let's take a vote and make it happen!

beachkitty

Please take them down, they interfere with the scenery!!!!

swantree

I have seen these struggles....thought this file might interest some of you. different towns; same struggles. this area has managed to keep some of it's charm but has to fight hard for it. big developers and all.
http://courses.washington.edu/larch5...onBeach_OR.pdf

__________________
Give a little more and get a whole lot!
http://www.swantree.com
850-960-4157
Jim C.

Beach House 25

I will be there with Camera crew, My hedge bet is less than a dozen show. Just the way it works.

sunsetbaby

It's a date Sowallers...

Please post the date and time for us so we can make all make it!

We must stand for what we love about our home - 30A!

jdarg

I bet you are dead wrong. SoWallers are good at showing up and getting things done. I bet there will be plenty of people there that have posted about these signs, but you just might not know who they are. BCC meetings aren't SoWal soirees or SoWal parties, and people won't be wearing their SoWal gear, but they will be there, you can bet on it.

jdarg

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.

Beach House 25

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

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

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.

__________________

Minnie

I know where that is too. I guess I was frequenting the wrong spots. Of course I was not really looking either.

Must have been the beverage in my eye, I mean my hand.

My daughter loves that store.

Beach Runner

Oh, Jesus. They *are* horrid.

Going south on 395 at 30-A, it says that Seagrove is straight ahead. Is that why the house at that intersection is under repair? Straight ahead (after crashing into that house) is the Gulf!

__________________

josephbass

They are just plain uggggggly!!!

nowgirl

Today I witnessed a man in a TDC truck stopping and measuring the height of the big blue uglies. We must make sure we have properly installed those tacky signs!

SWGB

Could be to lower them or measuring for landscaping. Possibly some sort of replacement that could use the same base?

__________________

wrobert

I have had a commissioner tell me that in the next few weeks 119 additional blue signs will be installed along 30-A. If this is true you are not going to be able to find anything for all the blue signs.

__________________

Smiling JOe

It is true. Those additional signs are costing an additional $160,000. As I suggested, it will be easier to stop those signs than replacing the ones which are already installed. Call and email the County Commissioners today!!!

__________________

wrobert

I am beginning to have my doubts. So far the commissioners all agree that the sign at the foot of the bridge is wrong, yet it seems no one can figure out who needs to tell Public Works to take a couple of wrenches and go take the thing down. I really hate indecision in a public official. Right or wrong, I have the utmost for respect for someone that will at least stand up and make a decision on something.

So within the month we will be having blue signs every 500 feet on 30-a. I do not live down there, but I can not stand the number of governmental signs I see on the road now. And again the BCC knows it is going to be bad, but no one appears to be stepping up to stop the madness.

__________________

NotDeadYet

Me too. That is perhaps the biggest problem with this county govt. The interesting thing is that it doesn't seem to change much no matter who is sitting in the commissioner's seats. Buck passing is so firmly established that it has become standard operating procedure and is, imho, the reason why we are so far behind the times when it comes to things like maintaining the bike path, cleaning up the right-of-way, broadcasting BCC meetings, recycling, paving roads and a host of other projects.

wrobert

One of the problems seems to be upon entering office, immediately the focus shifts to getting reelected. Personally, I would hate to think that my sole goal was to obtain the title of commissioner and plan on staying at that level the rest of my days. If you go in and really do make a difference there are so many places that leadership are needed. Go fix the problems and move on and up so you can tackle bigger problems and make a difference in the lives of more people. But some think that they have arrived.

Maybe it is some sort of a pill they get the night they win. I use to be amazed at how these ordinary people get elected and overnight they become experts in engineering, human resources, and money management. At least now they have hired some really talented individuals and they do seem to take those individual expert opinions into account.

I have started asking them to list their accomplishments when I speak to them about their future plans for office. I am now trying to find out how they want their period of leadership to be remembered. Makes for some really interesting conversation.

__________________