Franklin TDC Produces Safety Video and Signage for County Beaches

The Franklin County Tourist Development Council (FCTDC) launched a multi-media beach safety campaign recently that incorporates video, web, a mobile app and signage to outline important regulations relating to beach safety, turtle nesting protection measures and accessibility information.

The campaign, which is positive and informative, features a unique two-minute video that includes all five of the county commissioners and several constitutional officers welcoming visitors.  Tourism officials say it is meant as a welcoming message for visitors who may not know some of the beach safety regulations.

“We thank all of our visitors that spend their time here in Franklin County,” said County Commissioner and TDC chairman Ricky Jones. “We wanted everyone to be aware of our safety guidelines before they arrive and while they are staying here. I also want to thank all of our community leaders that participated in the production of this video,” he added.

The beach safety campaign includes a page on the FCTDC’s website that specifically details the county’s beach warning flag system, current beach conditions, pet-friendly rules and turtle nesting season rules along with the Leave No Trace requirements. Additionally, the page identifies the location of accessible beach pathways that feature wheelchair and other mobility-impaired access to the public beaches. The page also includes a link to the county’s mobile app in which people can access the information in a mobile format.

In addition to the video, app and expanded web content, the TDC recently created a new informational beach safety sign to replace a hodge-podge of individual unsightly signs located at beach access points. The new signage includes information on the sea turtle nesting season, handicap access information, pet leash requirements and beach flag location. The signs will be placed at more than 20 public beach access points throughout the county.

“We love our our visitors that come to the Forgotten Coast,” said TDC director John Solomon. “We launched this initiative as a positive effort to keep visitors informed and safe.”