New big blue signs in SoWal

[I Am Woman]

I knew when I first wrote about the horrid blue signs some aesthetically-challenged individual or committee saw fit with which to blight our lovely South Walton County, that something was gnawing at me but I could not quite figure out what it was. Aha! Then it came to me. Now...I was and am a huge admirer of Janet Reno; I agreed with her decisions, voted for her when she was running for office, and even made a financial contribution to her. But let's face it--and she would be the first to agree--Ms. Reno was not and is not very physically attractive. Thus it is that I almost laught each time I see one of these tall blue signs: Filled with accurate information, yes. But look at them: they are very large, very blue, and certainly very noticeable.
So...here we are in South Walton County, so over-populated by Republicans, but we have these "subtle memorials" to Janet Reno posted every block or so. Yes, there is a silver lining behind every cloud!

 

[wrobert]

So...here we are in South Walton County, so over-populated by Republicans, but we have these "subtle memorials" to Janet Reno posted every block or so. Yes, there is a silver lining behind every cloud!

My treks along 30-A will never be the same. Thanks!

 

[Teresa]

Adding the word beach is an mechanism for the TDC's "branding" of the beaches of south walton. I think the integrity of the original names should be paramount. Seagrove is Seagrove, Seacrest was a name invented by the residents when I did the original research to place the signs. Grayton Beach has always been Grayton Beach and the same is with Blue Mountain beach. Dune Allen is Dune Allen, not Dune Allen Beach.

I didn't know! thanks for this info!

I knew when I first wrote about the horrid blue signs some aesthetically-challenged individual or committee saw fit with which to blight our lovely South Walton County, that something was gnawing at me but I could not quite figure out what it was. Aha! Then it came to me. Now...I was and am a huge admirer of Janet Reno; I agreed with her decisions, voted for her when she was running for office, and even made a financial contribution to her. But let's face it--and she would be the first to agree--Ms. Reno was not and is not very physically attractive. Thus it is that I almost laught each time I see one of these tall blue signs: Filled with accurate information, yes. But look at them: they are very large, very blue, and certainly very noticeable.
So...here we are in South Walton County, so over-populated by Republicans, but we have these "subtle memorials" to Janet Reno posted every block or so. Yes, there is a silver lining behind every cloud!

:funn: this is truly fantastic. thank you for making this issue so hysterically funny! at least for the moment. and cruising down 30A shall never be the same for me either.


charles

 

[beach blessings]

From the way the sign reads on 331 South coming from Freeport to the south end (just as you come off the big bridge), the "South Has Rose Again". It truly puzzled me at first...

The sign reads...

Welcome to Walton County
Dash
Home of Beaches of South Walton

We did it...they have moved the county line...the north side doesn't even exist any more, I guess!

Can you imagine being a tourist and driving 12+ hours, to only find that you are just...once again passing the Walton County Line! This time though at least there is water instead of just a bunch of trees!

Justify this one TDC! Who discided the lines, and what would be posted at these made up lines...It's all Santa Rosa Beach...With communities inside of it!

Whatever...

 

[Kurt]

Letter to the Editor - Walton Sun

Reader offers a fix for ‘scenic’ signs

I have four fairly straightforward suggestions that would improve the new road signage on 30A: 1. Next to all the new blue road signs on 30A, dig a hole 30 feet deep. 2. Disassemble the sign, the stilts that hold the sign, and the cement base 3. Place the sign, stilts, and cement base in the 30 foot hole. 4. Cover the hole with dirt. If further beautification is needed (if the TDC has extra money), plant a few flowers or shrubs on the dirt mound. There! These four steps should solve the problem of improving the look of the new blue signs. Then the majority of the folks that live, work or visit here can enjoy the (dis)appearance of those new signs.

Connie Church-Brady Seagrove Beach

 

[Minnie]

I can see how some might feel that way but I sincerely hope SoWallers will take the high road and not do anything of the sort. I know we are better than that. We need to respect the TDC and the individuals who designed them even if the signs don't fit on our road.

Well said. Even if in jest, the powers that be, that have the authority to make the changes are reading this thread and believe me they will not take seriously anyone making such suggestions to vandalize even in jest.

 

[Teresa]

Letter to the Editor - Walton Sun

Reader offers a fix for ?scenic? signs Connie Church-Brady Seagrove Beach

I like charles' janet reno analogy.

 

[Chickpea]

I like charles' janet reno analogy.

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 ...