War's Impact on Florida: Tourism During the War Years
Restrictions on travel, and a blackout along the coast hurt Florida's tourism industry during the early months of the war. To compensate for the loss of tourist dollars, however, the military took over hotels and restaurants for use as barracks and mess halls. By the end of 1942, for example, more than 70,000 trainees attending various schools run by the Army Air Force were staying in hotel rooms in Miami and Miami Beach. Servicemen were eventually billeted in hotels throughout the state, such as St. Augustine's luxurious Ponce de Leon, while the Women's Army Corps "invaded" Daytona Beach.
Later in the war, the tourist trade returned, with Florida promoting itself as a vacation getaway for hardworking, and now highly paid, civilian workers. In 1943, tourism in Florida increased by twenty percent over the previous year, and gambling at south Florida racetracks reached all-time highs. Florida's state government publicized the availability of hotel rooms for civilians, and even secured additional trains to transport tourists. The state's promotion of its tourist industry drew criticism in some quarters for its inappropriateness during a period of national sacrifice, but in general Americans recognized the need for relaxation and recreation, even in time of war.
Palm-shaded Surfside Park, Miami Beach(Collections of the Museum of Florida History)
