Portion of 30-A to be Designated as Charles Modica, Sr. Hospitality Way June 21, 2012

[Marla Burns]

From the article in the Walton Sun:

"The State of Florida will designate the heart of County Road 30-A as “Charles Modica, Sr. Hospitality Way” during a Seaside ceremony June 21. The honorary naming memorializes longtime Seaside merchant Charles Modica, Sr., who died in 2010.

Senator Don Gaetz and Representative Matt Gaetz, who shepherded the designation through the Florida Legislature, will be joined by members of the Modica family at the event which will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the grassy area immediately to the south of the downtown Seaside block which includes the Modica Market.

Senator Gaetz, who served as Seaside’s first Town Chairman, describes Modica as “the unofficial mayor and goodwill ambassador of Seaside.” He said that the development of 30-A as a center for family-owned small businesses was largely inspired by the Modica family, who founded the market that bears their name in 1988.

“Mr. Modica’s life personified warmth and hospitality,” said Representative Gaetz. “The Modicas honor us by allowing his name to be associated with one of America’s most wonderful family destinations.”

The road designation will encompass that portion of County Road 30-A which lies between CR 283 and CR 395.

The brief ceremony will feature the presentation of colors by the Walton High School Air Force ROTC Honor Guard as well as participation by the Walton County Chamber of Commerce.

For further information please contact Michael Byrne by phone at 850-897-5747 or by email at byrne.michael.s04@flsenate.gov"

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[Franny]

What a wonderful idea!

[Geo]

Hmmm. I didn't know Mr. Modica but from what I hear he was a wonderful person. That said and I mean no disrespect-

I can't say I support this.

Lots of folks worked tirelessly to have 30A designated a scenic highway. I personally think that it should be off limits to trumping that and designating a name for it after even the most wonderful of individuals.

My belief is if Don Gaetz and the town of Seaside wanted to honor a pillar of their business community they should have changed the name of one of Seaside's streets or landmarks or erect a memorial there rather than force this name change on its neighbors?

Just my opinion.

[Scooter]

Geo - Obviously you never knew Mr. Modica. I've visited Seaside since it's inception and Mr. Modica brought a smile to my face every time I walked into Modica Market. I would go in just to see him without even needing to make a purchase. Modica Market is what grounded Seaside and made it feel as if you had gone back in time. I am thrilled that I will be vacationing in Grayton that week and will be at the ceremony with bells on. Shame on you!!!!!!!!!

[Geo]

Don't mean to brawl but-
shame on me?

Like I said- everyone says he was wonderful. But I don't think we should change the name of Scenic Highway 30A anymore than I believe Seaside should change their town's name to honor exceptional people. There is no shame in my position.

Agree to disagree.

[Zebraspots]

I agree with Geo.

I think Mr. Modica was wonderful and deserves recognition and a memorial, just think there are better ways to honor him.

[Bob Wells]

Hrumpf

[30A Skunkape]

'Hospitality Ways' are golf cart free zones by Florida law. Bring it on.

[Teresa]

I will be much happier traveling along Scenic Hwy 30A (even in traffic) just knowing it was named for such a wonderful, warm, hard working person who was part of our community for so long. So glad it is named for him. I think its a wonderful gift to us all.

[Scooter]

Thank you Teresa!!!!!

[joho]

I think this is the biggest bunch of "Bunk" I've heard in along time.....
I'm going to agree with Clair Bannerman on this one!


Next let's name east of 395 "Cocoons" because Mr LaDow is just as hospitable and has been a business owner for 20 years. Who shall we pick next? What about Goatfeathers Deep Fry Highway between 393 and 83 after Pat Miller?

[joho]

Don't mean to brawl but-
shame on me?

Like I said- everyone says he was wonderful. But I don't think we should change the name of Scenic Highway 30A anymore than I believe Seaside should change their town's name to honor exceptional people. There is no shame in my position.

Agree to disagree.

Kudos Geo!

[kwalsh0001]

'Would be intriguing to make it mandatory for all businesses/residences in that designated 30-A portion to change their addresses to the new name....and their property records, billing addresses, etc, etc. Might then be interesting to take a "recount" on how many folks thought this was a good idea....

Just a rambling thought, on my part..... no need to RSVP.... :)

[Andy A]

joho, as you so often are, right on the mark. Everybody agrees Mr. Modica was a wonderful and personable gentleman. Many worked tirelessly to have 30A designated a "scenic highway". That is what it should remain. Naming the circle around the area on which Modica's Market sits would be much more appropriate.

[miznotebook]

Food for thought: U.S. 98 is a Walton County Scenic Corridor and it is also a Blue Star Memorial Highway in honor of the U.S. Armed Forces.

[kurt]

Photos from the dedication - http://www.sowal.com/photos/charles-...way-dedication

[kurt]

http://www.sowal.com/blog/30a-eats/p...ospitality-way

For many years and across generations, Charles Modica, Sr. was Seaside. Not only did he and his wife Sarah open the first market in Seaside, they built one of the first homes on Tupelo street. "Mr. Charles" touched the hearts of locals and vacationers alike, including my family. On June 21st he will be honored as part of Scenic 30A between Scenic Highways 283 and 395 will be named after him. The ceremony will take place in Seaside at 11am in the Seaside Amphitheater in front of Modica Market.


SoWal archive photo of Charlie Modica from 3/12/10

I met Mr. Modica in 1992, and moved to the area in 1999 on a permanent basis, spending quite a bit of time at the market, especially when building my home. He was charming, witty, and never forgot my children’s names when we visited the store. He loved adventure and travel and we had many conversations about his love of good food. Sadly, he passed away in the Fall of 2010.

As a child my daughter likened him to Santa. He was jolly, kind-faced, and she said his eyes twinkled. They did. She went on to work for him as a young teen when attending the Seaside Neighborhood School. My son soon followed, also attending the Seaside School, and their afternoon treat was visiting Mr. Modica and the Market with friends.

Now the kids are in college, but we still look forward to their weekends at home when we ride our bikes and take friends and family visiting, to share in the delight of the market's spectacular waffles, a family tradition.

I am glad that the “ambassador” to Seaside will have a fitting memorial with the dedication of Charles, Modica, Sr. Hospitality Way, and my family will take pride in remembering Mr. Charles, Sr. as we continue to support the Modica family and their Market, creating future family memories.



About the author


30A Eats is written by Susan BentonA Gulf Coast native who now calls SoWal home, Susan spent much of her childhood traveling the world as the daughter of a Naval officer. Susan is known for her connection to area chefs, and her passion for promoting local farmers, businesses and artisans.30AEATS.com