History
Adverts in the local paper in 1939 stated "We Take this Opportunity to Remind You of the Excellent Facilities for Recreation Offered By Valparaiso Inn and Golf Course." The Inn was listed as being "Open All Year", and boasting "Fire Protection .. Sprinkler System", 60 modern rooms, swimming beach, and two tennis courts. The nearby Valparaiso Country Club claimed "Beautiful Grass, Greens and Tees," 6350 Yards, 5 Water Holes, with fees of $1.00 per day. In June 1941, the Officers Club of Eglin Field made arrangements to take over the Valparaiso Inn, Valparaiso, Florida, as the "O Club". Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle and many of the " Tokyo Raiders" were housed at the Inn while they trained at Eglin Field in March 1942. The Inn was sold by the Plew family in 1950. It continued to operate as hotel until 1957, when it was converted into an apartment complex. On March 2, 1977, a fire severely damaged the Inn and it remained vacant until fire completely destroyed it on October 25, 1980."Valparaiso Inn Razed by Fire," Playground Daily News, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, October 26, 1980, p. 1A.References
{{National Register of Historic Places Hotels in Florida Hotel buildings completed in 1924 Buildings and structures in Okaloosa County, Florida Former National Register of Historic Places in Florida 1924 establishments in Florida