Unfortunately times have changed. Back in the day (not too long ago) most people who lived here were passionate about preservation. Now most people who live here are chasing the buck, or just living a "normal" American life - busy and distracted.
I urge people who are passionate about preservation to get involved and organize. There is no reason we shouldn't have a strong preservation group. Check out South Walton Community Council, which has a long legacy of preservation issues. It is an organization with everything needed already on place. We need to come together in this day and age of social media and deals behind closed doors.
The developers and politicians have gotten the upper hand. Until people band together and exert the power of the populace, with adequate work and funding, things are going to go downhill as they have everywhere else in Florida. The momentum of the development dollar has really taken hold here and I don't know if there is any stopping it.