New big blue signs in SoWal

[Smiling JOe]

I have no idea what you saying or asking in the first half of your post. Yes, the Hammock Bay sign is located in Hammock Bay, erected by Hammock Bay, and owned by Hammock Bay.

If the TDC was looking for uniformity, they didn't need to spend $260,000 for new signs which very few people find acceptable. They already had uniform signs, noting the communities, thanks to people like Dave. Sounds like the TDC is trying to make South Walton a branch of the TDC by making all of the signs look identical. I guess their logo isn't enough.

I don't know why you are bringing up DOT signs, because the TDC didn't spend $260,000 on their installation, and they are hwy signs, which are totally different from being directly linked to our area.

 

[Hey Jude]

Just get rid of them quickly!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bobby J]

What an active thread. I am trying to decide what is uglier the new signs or all the rental and real estate signs everywhere.

 

[Beach House 25]

I have no idea what you saying or asking in the first half of your post. Yes, the Hammock Bay sign is located in Hammock Bay, erected by Hammock Bay, and owned by Hammock Bay.

If the TDC was looking for uniformity, they didn't need to spend $260,000 for new signs which very few people find acceptable. They already had uniform signs, noting the communities, thanks to people like Dave. Sounds like the TDC is trying to make South Walton a branch of the TDC by making all of the signs look identical. I guess their logo isn't enough.

I don't know why you are bringing up DOT signs, because the TDC didn't spend $260,000 on their installation, and they are hwy signs, which are totally different from being directly linked to our area.

Ahh ok so your saying your upset with the TDC for spending the money, But its ok to have the crappy looking State and Fed signs on the same road.... Ahhh Now I understand...

My point Joe, is simple... The neat sexy sign you have shared was paid for by a private enity... the ones that the TDC are putting up are paid with Tax dollars, Ummm ok so we spend more tax dollars to please a community thats not Incorporated and mostly non voting? Wait before you fly here I was just passing on some info that was shared today with me about the amount of Registered voters south of the bay are far smaller numbers than whats North of the bay.. Just repeating what I heard... But I think I understand your logic now... Its Bad for the TDC for putting Uniform clean neat signage up but allow the trash the State and Feds leave behind... Gotcha!

Oh do you think they can recoup the money $260,000.00 for the already put up signs and replace them with the signs of choice by the majority here? Please let me know if they can bring back the 260k I have a few things I would like to see the Government refund or tax money on as well..

 

[Smiling JOe]

I can see how you might think that I am upset with the TDC spending the money. I have mentioned it often, but only because I think they wasted it, by buying some crap to replace that which was already in place, and looked ten time better, even though those signs were probably ten years old. It's not my money, nor have I contributed one penny to the TDC, to my knowledge. I really don't see how the sign in the photo I posted from Hammock Bay has anything to do with being more expensive. It is actually a smaller sign, and shorter sign, requiring less materials, and less foundation in the ground. In reality, it probably a less expensive sign.

If the 100+ additional signs which are on their way to SoWal are keeping in line with these blue signs, I think I may throw up in my mouth.

 

[Dave Rauschkolb]

I went to the TDC this morning at 10:00 and being a National Holiday meant the offices were closed. I dropped off the check and a letter outlining a plan as described in my last post to Smiling JOe and await a response from the TDC.

I have contacted Seaside, St. Joe and Rosemary representatives and have full backing towards creating a group of community representatives to work with the TDC to replace and redesign of the signs. I will be contacting the rest of the folks tomorrow. It is my sincere hope the TDC will see this as a positive opportunity to turn this around and start fresh. Below is the letter I enclosed with the check.



From: Dave Rauschkolb
Rosemary Beach, Fl.


To: South Walton Tourist Development Council
Acting Executive Director and Board of Directors


The South Walton Tourist Development Council has, for many years done a fantastic job of representing the Beaches of South Walton however, the recent placement of way-finding signs on Scenic 30-A is a cause for concern and action. Hopefully, through positive dialog the community can work with the TDC to remedy this situation.

I come to you as concerned resident of Scenic 30-A, as an owner of a business on Scenic 30-A for 23 years and as a former officer of the Scenic 30-A Business Association. Close to 15 years ago, representing that association, I approached the South Walton Tourist Development Council with a design for a sign that would identify and celebrate each of the beach communities along Scenic 30-A. The sign design was small, made of wood and incorporated the Beaches of South Walton logo and simply named each town. It was our dream that eventually C-30A would someday be designated as a State Scenic Route. We named the road Scenic 30-A to keep that dream alive.

The intent of the signs was to create a visual connectedness of all of the beach communities along our beautiful Scenic Road. Also, the intent was to set an example and show that a lot can be accomplished with small, tastefully designed signs; at that time no sign ordinances existed yet. Our fledgling organization was passionate about working to preserve the unique character of Scenic 30-A but did not have the funding to pay for the new signs. The SWTDC graciously agreed to pay for the signs if we did the research to identify the borders and put them in the ground. The signs quickly became a seamless part of the fabric of our beloved road and served that purpose for many years.

I was initially excited to see a new generation of signs coming to Scenic 30-A but, that excitement changed to disappointment when I saw the large size, heights and the design of the new signs. All it took was a few days for a similar disappointment to reverberate and be voiced through the local community. The overwhelming opinion is that they are too tall, too big and too blue. I believe that the proper design of these signs is a powerfully important element essential to the identity of Scenic 30-A. I don't think the community will settle for anything less than a full redesign and replacement of the signs. I advocate removing them until this redesign is complete. The sooner we work on a remedy, the less negative publicity will be generated.

I acknowledge that a lot of planning, hard work and money went into this project. I am sure the TDC had the best of intentions; however no amount of effort or money is worth sacrificing the character of our beloved road. As a gesture of good will and my willingness to work with the TDC I am presenting a check for $1000.00 towards the replacement of the signs. I am certain more can be raised to help offset what has been spent.

My suggestion is to bring the TDC together with Claire Bannerman of the Scenic Corridor Advocacy Group, and other community leaders including representatives from St. Joe, Seaside, Alys beach, Rosemary Beach and others to come up with a cohesive plan and design that fits. The new signs should comply with traffic safety standards and wind loads but should look nothing less than awesome. I suggest the design incorporate the SWTDC logo and the words SCENIC 30A and be made of a local indigenous wood such as Cypress.

Scenic 30-A will soon be officially designated a State Scenic highway. Due to 9 years of hard work and the dedication of Claire Bannerman and the Scenic Corridor Advocacy Group a dream of so many along 30-A will be realized. Together we must do all we can to preserve the scenic integrity of this beautiful road.

I am happy to work with you in any way possible to remedy this situation. Thank you.


Respectfully,



Dave Rauschkolb

I wonder if the TDC accepted Dave's check of $1,000 to go toward the changing of the signs.

 

[wrobert]

Tootsie, I've seen that sign. Someone pointed out earlier the sign on Hwy 331, located on the south end of the bridge. It reads,
"Welcome to Walton County
Home of the Beaches of South Walton"

Did they change the boundaries of WalCo to end at the Choctawhatchee Bay?

I will not be down there to check myself until Thursday but I heard this evening that this sign has been removed.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Were there tire marks over the sign, and do you think it broke away, as designed, or, do you think the proper authorities removed it?

 

[John R]

Although the county can and will do as they please with regards to the erection of signage, these signs are direct example of what their own scenic corridor ordinance guidelines were implemented to prevent. They are in no way complimentary to anything other than the TDC's color palette. Tombstone/ground signs like the one pictured above would have been more conducive to sightlines and aesthetics, imo.

Dave, thank you for your efforts with this.

 

[Jdarg]

Thank you Dave R! Keep us posted and let us know how/when we can help!

Dave's words should be the "official slogan"- these signs should look nothing less than awesome!!