New big blue signs in SoWal

[Dave Rauschkolb]

As we speak letters are going out from the owners and executives of Seaside, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, All the St. Joe properties on 30-A and many others to the TDC requesting the signs be removed. They are all in full agreement with complete removal. Lowering the signs or putting flowers around the base is not an option.

There is no room for accepting the wrong signage no matter what was spent. This is far too important a representation of our community identity to accept a mistake just because it was an expensive mistake. They don't fit. If we have to, we will raise the money; I am sure we can do it for much less than the TDC did.

Jackie Gleason once said " you may have the greatest tasting dog food in the world but it doesn't matter if the dogs won't eat it."

As with all things we need to flood the Commissioners and TDC board with emails requesting the removal of the signs on Scenic 30-A.

I am very encouraged at the process so far; I have met no one who likes them. I even spoke to a TDC Board member today who voiced his dislike of them in the TDC board meetings.

I challenge all SoWallers who feel the same to write a short or long note to the TDC and copy the Commissioners on this. Next, we need to flood the next Commissioners meeting with opposition. Help us if you will.

First we have to get them removed then we will work together to come up with a design that is nothing less than awesome! Please let your voice be heard. Thanks for your support.

Dave

TDC board members

Scott Brannon
Commissioner, District One
(850) 622-3081
brascott@co.walton.fl.us

Maurice Gilbert
Realty One Services, Inc.
sandbroker@aol.com
(850) 231-5601

Mike Stange
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
lindataylor@sandestin.com
(850) 267-8112

John Gillis
Trustmark Bank
jgillis@trustmark.com
(850) 337-1020

Tim Norris
Re/Max Southern Realty
timnorris@earthlink.net

Mary Jo Tommas
One Seagrove Place
mj@oneseagroveplace.com
(850) 231-5032

Ken Gifford
Rosemary Beach
kengifford@rosemarybeach.com
(850) 278-2020

Mary Brown
Beach Rentals of South Walton
mary@beachrentalsofsouthwalton.com
(850) 534-0600

Don McQuade
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort
dmcquade@sandcastlehotels.com
(850) 622-3964

Kriss Titus
Executive Director
TDC Staff 850-267-1216
Ext. 126
ktitus@beachesofsouthwalton.com


County Commissioners

Ken Pridgen<prikenneth@co.walton.fl.us>,
Larry Jones<jonlarry@co.walton.fl.us>,
Sarah Commander<comsara@co.walton.fl.us>,
Cindy Meadows<meacindy@co.walton.fl.us>,
Scott Brannon<brascott@co.walton.fl.us>,

You are probably right about them staying. I could see some possible compromises. The signs might stay around for awhile then quietly be replaced in a few years so the money doesn't seem so wasted.

If they remain, all the signs should be lowered to the minimum, 12"-18" off the ground, and plants added. From the design it looks like they can be lowered at relatively little cost.

 

[Smiling JOe]

The Property Appraiser / Tax Collector does not collect the bed tax.

Oh. I see. I have seen them looking through websites for rentals which aren't showing up as paying the tax. Do you guys send them the overflow when they are slow?

So now you have a legitimate reason for surfing on SoWal.com/bb while at work. You are probably the only one who is legit in that way.

 

[Dave Rauschkolb]

Great news! I just got a call from the New Interim Director of the TDC and will be meeting with him tomorrow (Thursday). Dave

 

[Beach Runner]

Yay! Thanks, Dave.

 

[GoodWitch58]

Thanks for your leadership, Dave. I have begun to send more emails...the community can set this right!

 

[Minnie]

um, Minnie, just watch. sowallers are serious about their community. always have been. it's a very special place. thanks to many caring folks, like Dave R, who know how to take initiative and make things happen through consensus of residents and businesses.

plus, I have never known sowallers on this board to just talk about stuff for the heck of it, unless in the lounge...

you should see the many threads on beach preservation. discussion alone has brought about a great many changes on county level, and personal level. not to mention those spurred into action to clean beaches, contact the TDC when needed, or be helpful to tourists by talking to them about acceptable beach preservation practices.

this is just one of many examples of the power of sowal people.

That is good to know, so many times that is not the case.

 

[tsutcli]

Great job Dave. Sending e-mails to TDC members in the hopes that they see the light.

 

[tivoli]

Great news! I just got a call from the New Interim Director of the TDC and will be meeting with him tomorrow (Thursday). Dave

What "awesome" news!!!!!

 

[NotDeadYet]

From WZEP news:
"In other TDC related action, Titus said the TDC board recommends a new contract with Bohan and told the commissioners they are looking at the height and a landscaping issue for the new Wayfinder signs. Titus was asked about some beach communities opting out, specifically Alyce Beach. Titus said Alyce Beach is not a beach community. She was also asked about the sign near the Clyde Wells Bridge saying ?Welcome To Walton County? and about the rest of the county. Titus said this is due to the FDOT?s required wording and noted there are other signs going up around the county, including the north end."

 

[Smiling JOe]

From WZEP news:
"... Titus said this is due to the FDOT?s required wording and noted there are other signs going up around the county, including the north end."

I don't get it. The FDOT must require a sign announcing which county you are in when you cross a bridge. Sounds like a crock of crap to me.