A primary focus of the meeting was the formation of a wayfinding signage task force aimed at enhancing the city’s visual landscape. The task force will comprise representatives from various entities, including Walton County Tourism and Scenic Walton, with the goal of setting standards for wayfinding signs throughout DeFuniak Springs. The council discussed the necessity of evaluating existing signage, particularly on Main Street, and determining if current standards should be modified. The task force will explore where signs are needed and how to implement them, seeking a thoughtful rather than uniform approach to reflect the city’s diverse areas. Scenic Walton’s contribution emphasized the importance of aesthetically pleasing municipal signage and the potential to draw on resources from Scenic Florida and Scenic America. The city council approved the formation of the task force, which will include city staff and community members.

Progress on the urban orchard project was another key topic. The council reviewed pamphlets designed to educate the public about the orchard, which will feature specific tree varieties and contact information. Distribution plans include making the pamphlets available at public works and local schools, with additional signage at orchard sites. The project, touted as the first municipal orchard in northwest Florida, will also engage the community through outreach to the school board and libraries, highlighting its educational potential.

The council received an update on the Lumen Tower, with discussions indicating progress in its removal due to safety concerns. Representatives from Lumen have agreed to assist in the dismantling process and are accepting bids for the work. Conversations also touched on the possibility of leaving a mural on the wall after the tower’s removal, connecting it to DeFuniak Springs’ welcome signage. However, this idea will be delayed until further negotiations with Buffalo Rock, who has expressed interest in contributing murals as part of an alleyway project.

The council also focused on promotional materials for the tree beautification fund. Discussions centered around the design of flyers, including the addition of a QR code to facilitate donations and applications. The council debated the flyer’s content, agreeing to include tax-deductible donation information and contact details for inquiries. Concerns were raised about potential donor questions, prompting the inclusion of information about matching funds to encourage contributions. The council aimed to streamline the flyer to enhance clarity and ensure effective communication.

An update on the Rotary grant confirmed plans to use the funds for planting Japanese magnolias. The grant, valued at $1,000, is shared between the city and Main Street, with the intention to plant trees in the lakeyard to enhance its visual appeal. The council aims to secure quotes for the project before the next meeting to maintain momentum.

Additionally, the council discussed the Chipley Park cleanup, coordinating it with community organizations like the Anchor Club and the Boy Scouts for building birdhouses. A cleanup day was proposed for March 6, with March 13 as an alternate date in case of inclement weather. The installation of new bluebird houses in the lakeyard was also considered, with a master gardener volunteer offering to build them. The potential use of master gardener funds for this project was discussed, along with the possibility of addressing bat houses in the area.