The Driftwood Inn was opened in 1937, conceived and constructed by local Vero Beach eccentric and businessman Waldo E. Sexton.

[2] Waldo has been called “one of the most colorful persons that Florida has ever known,” an “imaginative entrepreneur,” and an “outrageous, old time eccentric.” He moved to Florida in 1914 and began his legacy that includes several buildings still standing in Vero Beach today and was an integral partner in the development of McKee Jungle Garden, also in Vero Beach.

Driftwood Inn and Restaurant was originally a private beach house called the “Breezeway” by its owners, Waldo & Elsebeth Sexton, because of the opening in the central portion of the first floor.

The restaurant interior still retains some original features, such as wood paneled walls and ceramic tile insets in the floor.

Today, both the Breezeway and Waldo's Restaurant, maintain their basic integrity, their unusual workmanship and materials and their original design features.

Waldo's son, Ralph, erected the four-story building to the south in 1965, providing more apartment units.

The building is distinguished by board and batten exterior walls, wood shingled gable ends with decorative truss work and rustic balcony railings.

The breezeway walls feature graffiti from visitors, applied ornaments and portions of a wood mantel.

While structures of similar style may be found elsewhere in Florida, few are comparable in scale or complexity of detail The two original buildings are unique in the Vero Beach area and continue to serve their historic function of providing accommodations and amenities for tourists.

With the help of local architect, John Dean and longtime property manager, Jeanne Radlet, the buildings were restored and stand today as a testament to Waldo Sexton, the entrepreneur and eclectic individual that built these structures nearly a century ago.