30A signs represent a no-win proposition for TDC

If you ever entertained the thought of a seat on the South Walton Tourist Development Council, you might reconsider the notion at least until the 30A sign fiasco blows over. And that could be a long while.
The TDC's intent with the signs was admirable. Providing directions along that lengthy, eclectic little stretch of asphalt was - and remains - a good idea.
But the good intent quickly turned into bad execution when the original signs started popping up. It's not that the monstrosities are ugly in and of themselves. It's not that they are dysfunctional.
The problem is that they are aesthetic misfits in every community and enclave along 30A. It's that simple.
Now the TDC has decided that perhaps the vocal locals were right. And the TDC perhaps learned a valuable lesson: Before you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars planting signs along a cozy, scenic roadway, you might consider whether the design actually is compatible with the surroundings.
We're confident lessons have been learned. We are also confident that the 30A sign fiasco is far from over.
No matter what design the TDC rolls out next, lots of people won't be happy. Here's why:
For the signs to be functional for visitors, they must stand out. If they blend into the landscape, they'll be looked over and be nothing more than big pieces of expensive nothing.
So they must be seen. They must have some color to them beyond pastel greens and blues. And they must have some size to them.
It's going to be quite a tricky design task and we do not envy those who are tasked with the project. Nor do we envy the TDC for we fear that whatever they do will be viewed as wrong.