30A Skunkape

It dawned on me this morning driving in to work that the 'new' signs are the same as the one in front of the TDC building at 331 and 98. I think that sign has been up for quite some time and does not look out of place next to a big building...I guess the powers that be felt continuity of signage trumped all other concerns. Sorry if somebody already mentioned this.

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reddsings

This is the main problem with these signs
Hypocritical to make businesses comply with sign SIZE and CONFIGURATION
in order to keep continuity in the area then go ahead and wee all over that policy with these monstrosities, yes thats what they are, period.

I hope the Preserve at Grayton, Sanctuary, Draper Lake all band together to sue to get the signs more compliant with county/area stipulations and regs

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www.reddsings.com
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reddsings

How lost can you get on 30a anyway?

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John R

link?

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Miss Kitty

...power to the people!

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SWGB

If I remember correctly the Seacrest Beach development was never considered in Seacrest? Maybe one of the "old-timers" can help us out here.

Nope, just easier to come on here and have someone post a link directly to the article I'm looking for.

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SWGB

Okay, can't edit or delete it. Obviously one should pay better attention on the way BACK from Starbucks. I think I got it confruzed with the Seacrest sign.

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John R

thanks for the link GRS. I don't get the Daily News.

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SHELLY

Quote from the newspaper:

"Many people have posted their displeasure with the signs on the Beaches of South Walton Message Board at www.sowal. com. One post called the signs “horrid” and others question why they are so big."

Correction:

"374 people called the signs 'horrid'."

<there, fixed>

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Smiling JOe

So are you saying that there is an Alys Beach hyper-blue County sign?

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SWGB

There is not an Alys Beach abomination.

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Smiling JOe

From the article in the NWFL Daily News: "...The second (type of signs) are directional and have arrows pointing visitors the right way; the third are larger welcome signs on the highways at the edges of the county...."


Question: what is the "right" way?

also from article:
"“Locals and visitors will now know where they are and where they are going,” Mares said. "

comment: if locals don't know where they are and where they are going, big directional signs won't help them. Laying off the pot smoking might be a better option.

From the article:
"They will also be safer. The new signs are designed to break away from their footing in case a car hits them, Mares said. If that happens, there will be less damage to the car."

comment: safer than what? hitting a wooden sign? Seems to me that a car would likely have knocked down the wooden sign, but now a car will be really ph'kd up when it hits two metal poles. I don't care if the bolts do break away the sign, those fittings will be ruined and have to be repaired.

from article:
"And the signs are more than just road markers; they will help with the county’s marketing, Mares said. Each sign has the TDC’s three red-and-white umbrellas on them."

comment: woopty doo.

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SHELLY

I'm not completely convinced that the new "politically correct" name--wayfinding signage --adequately describes the new signs on 30A. Maybe we need to come up with a term that more precisely captures the new signs' stylistic form.

I'm thinking: Big Blue Bombs


.

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Smiling JOe

I've been wondering how much money was spent on coming up with the name, "wayfinding signs." I always thought they were called "directional signs."

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SWGB

We are a fairly open minded community, maybe they didn't want to make people feel like they had to go somewhere (directional) and could just choose their path (wayfinding)?

Sorry, just trying to put some lipstick on this pig.

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Hop

i agree sj...or i've got an idea....how about no signage...that would be even safer!

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scooterbug44

Every time I see these signs I think it's a very good thing I love my car too much to test the "snap off" theory!

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TooFarTampa

Both this thread, and the link to the news story -- sorry Andy -- are worthless without pics.

I trust you guys (especially Chickpea) who say they are horrid but I would like to see what they look like. I'm sure I'm not alone. Anyone?

tivoli

Well, my husband and I got into Seagrove about 8pm Thursday evening
and first noticed the 8ft. monstrosity at the Seagrove Market.... Let me
tell you......the pictures on the SoWal board do the justice of ugly; however,
they are even uglier in person!!

The weather was really nice and took a stroll down to Seaside along the
beach Saturday morning... A lot of sand bars have developed along the
shore line between Seagrove and Seaside. What a lovely, sunny, warm
68 degree day along the beach... Picked up The Seaside Times
while patronizing Modica while down that way.....great store and food!!!!
Waffles with the strawberries & whipped cream....to die for!!!

Anyway, The Seaside Times Forum States - 3 Articles

Seaside and Environmental Design
Town Founder Dishes on Sustainability
Local Homes Capture Design Awards

Walking back we see the new Seaside Sign and the new Seagrove
sign, I cannot describe to you how ugly and out of place these new
signs look with the area and environment. Especially, after reading
the above-mentioned articles while in Seaside.

It appalls me that with our community being filled with local artists.....
no one sought out advice from the locals or the people who own in
the different communities for their opinions for new signs along the
corridor of 30-A. I'm sure that if asked, artist's would have donated
their time to paint new wooden signs. I don't even think we would
have had to pay for any of these signs. I've been a owner in the area
for two and a half years and absolutely "love" the area and would have
gave someone a donation for the new Scenic 30-A signs.

They are a distraction to the area, size, color and design. I'm sure
Alys Beach is really glad that so far they've lucked out with them placing
one just beyond their beautiful entrance. The one by the Seagrove
Market looks like Seagrove/Goofy to the left and Seaside/Donald to the
right...... Rosemary Beach has done a nice job with their wooden sign
stating Rosemary Beach - Established 19__? We needed to have some
kind of unity between the communities flowing from one to another and
not distractions of such! The old beach feel of yesteryears is quickly
disappearing.....

Indigo Jill

I have to admit, I was one who voted "neither like or dislike" a few days ago but now, after having driven by the signs several times, they aren't growing on me at all - just the opposite actually - and I would put dislike now. They do look so out of place! I am guessing the height is due to the fact that they were leaving some room under for safety purposes and that isn't what bothers me about them. It's the color that looks so wrong to me.

nowgirl

So now that we've established that the vast majority of property owners and residents detest these signs, is there a course of action?

Dave Rauschkolb

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Rauschkolb <drmail@mchsi.com>
Date: Jan 11, 2008 9:21 PM
Subject: Re:Signs on 30-A
To: Tracy Louthain < tlouthain@beachesofsouthwalton.com>
CC: Claire Bannerman
CC: Kris Titus

Hi Tracy,

About 15 years ago I originally approached the TDC as President of the Scenic 30-A Business Association with the idea of naming each beach community. Because we did not have the funds to pay for the signs I asked the TDC to fund the project if I came up with the design and placed them. TDC graciously accepted and has maintained the signs since then. I want you to know that I support your efforts and felt great that a new generation of signs would be good for the area.

I have done my best to calm the storm brewing on SoWal and all over regarding negative opinions about the look of the new signs. I am sure you know you have a local public relations disaster on your hands. People are coming to me because I designed the old signs and I have tried to tell them "just give it time, they will blend in over time" "It's part of a comprehensive plan that will give the area continuity and connectedness" and so on.

Basically, every person I have spoken to hates the new signs. All I hear is they are too big, too high and too blue. I have not heard one positive comment yet.

Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost. I know what it takes to plan and implement something of this magnitude but I really feel if this many people dislike the signs now just wait until the season. People are likening the area to Disney.

I suggest you work with Claire Bannerman on creating a design that incorporates the Beaches of South Walton logo with the words "Scenic 30-A" because it will be a scenic route soon. I would be happy to work with you as well.

The signs should be much smaller and lower to the ground and made of a material that long lasting and is indigenous to the area; I suggest cypress. At any rate, I strongly suggest you act quickly to form a plan. I am happy to help in any way. PR, design or otherwise. Please call me or email me if I may be of any assistance. Thank you. 865-1061

Sincerely,


Dave Rauschkolb

Tootsie

I would change my vote if I could as well. my first glimpses of the signs were on the very east end of 30A. for some reason, those signs are not as giant as some of the others. I've seen most of them now, and I'm horrified. yes, landscaping would go a long way. but putting those on our SCENIC drive is a big mistake.

Thank you Dave for writing the above letter and representing us.

Smiling JOe

Not intended to imply that we should destroy the signs by vandalism, just that the TDC needs to pony up and have them painted a nice neutral green or tan. They should take some notes from WaterColor regarding sign colors. Also, the bold text on the directional signs should not be so heavy. I have excellent vision, though I find the text very difficult to read. Not to mention, I have to completely take my eyes off the road to read the signs as I pass under them. Terrible mistake, though I realize that the one at 395 in front of the Seagrove Market may be that tall for drivers to see as they are egressing from roads.

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Indigo Jill

Bravo, Dave! You articulated it all so perfectly IMO!! Can't wait to see how this all plays out.

Thank you for your dedication in keeping Sowal such a beautiful place.

Dave Rauschkolb

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Rauschkolb <drmail@mchsi.com>
Date: Jan 11, 2008 9:21 PM
Subject: Re: Out of Office AutoReply:
To: Tracy Louthain < tlouthain@beachesofsouthwalton.com>
CC: Claire Bannerman
CC: Kris Titus

Hi Tracy,

About 15 years ago I originally approached the TDC as President of the Scenic 30-A Business Association with the idea of naming each beach community. Because we did not have the funds to pay for the signs I asked the TDC to fund the project if I came up with the design and placed them. TDC graciously accepted and has maintained the signs since then. I want you to know that I support your efforts and felt great that a new generation of signs would be good for the area.

I have done my best to calm the storm brewing on SoWal and all over regarding negative opinions about the look of the new signs. I am sure you know you have a local public relations disaster on your hands. People are coming to me because I designed the old signs and I have tried to tell them "just give it time, they will blend in over time" "It's part of a comprehensive plan that will give the area continuity and connectedness" and so on.

Basically, every person I have spoken to hates the new signs. All I hear is they are too big, too high and too blue. I have not heard one positive comment yet.
- Hide quoted text -

Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost. I know what it takes to plan and implement something of this magnitude but I really feel if this many people dislike the signs now just wait until the season. People are likening the area to Disney.

I suggest you work with Claire Bannerman on creating a design that incorporates the Beaches of South Walton logo with the words "Scenic 30-A" because it will be a scenic route soon. I would be happy to work with you as well. The signs should be much smaller and lower to the ground and made of a material that long lasting and is indigenous to the area; I suggest cypress. At any rate, I strongly suggest you act quickly to form a plan. I am happy to help in any way. PR, design or otherwise. Please call me or email me if I may be of any assistance. Thank you. 865-1061

Sincerely,


Dave Rauschkolb

Tootsie

maybe dave's letter will help get NEW signs altogether.

but please don't paint them highway sign green. I would prefer the blue. you know, the color isn't what bothers me that much. it's the whole design.

Smiling JOe

The color is what bothers me, and I agree, no bright hwy green. I was going for the green color of the top, or something along those lines, maybe a few shades lighter.

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Paula

Sounds like a workable plan that would be most appreciated. I didn't vote because I haven't seen the signs, but the sentiment on this board sure sounds like they're an eyesore and inconsistent with the scenic vision of the area and locals.

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up4golf

today i saw a foundation for another sign it is at the washinton county border on hwy 20 east . that's cowford there i think about 4-5 miles east of bruce. soon we will be able to find "disney" from every entrance to walton county. can we have to much mouse, beach mouse i mean?

Smiling JOe

5,203 spying on this thread, and I've yet to see one positive comment on them.

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up4golf

sj,it is nice to live somewhere that this is about the biggest thing to complain about.

up4golf

where can a person buy one of the old signs? are they on ebay yet? i will make the first bid.

Minnie

that would represent only the number of times the thread had been viewed, not the number of spys.

Could be the same people reading it over and over.

SHELLY

I think they should be collected and stored so they can be put in a museum along with photos, stories and artifacts of the area's "good old days."


.

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chrisv

But the Canadians like them...

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scooterbug44

Oh good, the people who have been coming here for 9 YEARS AND STILL NEED SIGNS TO NAVIGATE 30-A like them!

Glad we've identified the target demographic.

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full time

"Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost."Now that is the kind of economic stimulus package we need here in Walton County. Anyone else want in on some of this largesse?

TooFarTampa

Dave, you designed the old signs? I am not kidding, I have always been so fond of those signs, and I never thought they were hard to read or see. I DID always think they reflected the best of 30-A -- they were subtle, simple and perfectly in tune with the surroundings. I have thought about this many many times, and again I am not kidding.

The blue? Wow. Disneyfied is the word that comes to mind. Now I know there is some of that already in SoWal, but does the TDC really have to give itself over to it too?

Thanks for the pics John R. I haven't read this entire thread, but I understand the horror now.

scooterbug44

Considering the amount of money they waste on crap, I don't think a redesign to keep my eyes from being assaulted on a daily basis is too much to ask for.

Remember, these are the signs we paid an EXTRA $40K for (20% more than the 2nd highest bidder) because the company (in Ft. Walton) was local and would do a better job.

__________________
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TooFarTampa

Now that I've read the whole thread, I feel even worse.

Anyone think it's a coincidence that they did this in January?

full time

Don't stand for having your eyes assaulted by those "horrid" signs. People on this board *****ing need to put their money where their mouth is. Set up a fund for like-minded brethren on SoWal.com so that signs more to the majority's liking can be acquired. Who knows .... with a little persuasion I might even consider matching your contribution.

Smiling JOe

Actually, that $160K is for the other signs to be located along the multi-use trail running along 30A. Those are still to be installed. I hope they aren't fashioned in the same style, color and size, but I have a feeling that the TDC will want to further market the red and white umbrellas. With the TDC spending $260,000 on these, (around $5306 per sign) they should ask for a redo, for no additional charge.

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Smiling JOe

Interestingly, this thread was started long after the presidential poll thread, though this poll on signs is only 104 votes less than the presidential votes. 1152 to 1048. I guess that says a lot.

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kurt

John R took some pics - check the first page.

up4golf

[quote=Smiling JOe;345087]Actually, that $160K is for the other signs to be located along the multi-use trail running along 30A. Those are still to be installed. I hope they aren't fashioned in the same style, color and size, but I have a feeling that the TDC will want to further market the red and white umbrellas. more signs,quite a few more signs for the trail i understand, soon we may not be able to see the scenery only signs.

florida girl

You know, I liked the old signs, but somebody thought it was a good idea to have a sign ordinance to start with! Tombstone style! Then to compare SoWal with Bay and Okaloosa Counties?!!! Has anyone noticed that Bay and Okaloosa Counties are thriving, growing, communities? So, we're the graveyard between 2 cities? What's the complaint about the new signs? The color? What, not white or cream? The audacity to think they could have a bold color? In SoWal, the unique, artist's community? NO!!! The size? They aren’t 20 feet, you know, if the signs do not comply with the sign ordinance then the county is breaking the ordinance, and should be penalized! What? Maybe it’s just CHANGE!!! Nobody wants change, and certainly not to be different!

30A Skunkape

If you think SOWAL needs change to be different, you miss the entire point.

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John R

I saw this also, yet no discussion so far. 120 more signs places by the the county? maybe they'll place the warning signs smack dab in the middle of the bike path "so people can see them". Paint on the asphalt would be less impactful. Maybe the signs are to be stop signs on every north facing crossing, that would make sense.

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SWGB

Are the 101 additional warning signs possibly for cross streets? I always stop at the bike path and look before proceeding. Some people just barrel right on up to the street and I've seen many a biker have to slam on their brakes and slide sideways to avoid them.

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