Indoor shooting range coming to Valparaiso

The range will be located at 685 Valparaiso Parkway. It is owned by Tom Hammonds, a former Crestview resident and NBA player. Hammonds was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony on June 8, where he said the new shooting range belongs the community.

Emerald Coast Indoor Shooting and Sport, an 8,100-square-foot shooting range, has broken ground in Valparaiso. If all goes as planned, it will open for business late this year or early 2019.

“The range will bring a much-needed medium to the locals in the Valparaiso, Niceville, and South Okaloosa County area,” said Aaron Weinstock, Vice President and Director of Operations.

“This will be the only public indoor shooting range south of Interstate 10 in Okaloosa County and will benefit the firearm community with much easier access to training and merchandise,” he said.

The range will be located at 685 Valparaiso Parkway. It is owned by Tom Hammonds, a former Crestview resident and NBA player. Hammonds was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony on June 8, where he said the new shooting range belongs the community.

The range will feature 15 lanes (five 25-yard rifle and ten 15-yard pistol lanes), a large classroom, and a fully-stocked 1,800-square foot retail area. It will have state-of-the-art technology throughout, including a top-of-the-line HVAC system for comfort and safety of all shooters, according to Weinstock.

Training will be an abundant feature, including the Florida Concealed Weapons Permit class, NRA approved classes, pistol/rifle/shotgun classes for the beginners to advanced – all with experienced NRA-certified instructors.

Emerald Coast Indoor Shooting and Sport will also bring indoor shooting competitions to the area, including GSSF, IDPA, USPSA and other independent functions such as bowling pin shoots and bullseye competitions.

The retail area will feature a wide variety of firearms for every purpose, including hunting, practice, competition, concealed carry, and target shooting, along with a large selection of accompanying accessories and ammunition.

Weinstock said Emerald Coast Indoor Shooting and Sport would be a regional leader in NFA items: silencers, full-auto, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and AOW’s (Any Other Weapons).

 

PHOTO (TOP): A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on June 8 for Emerald Coast Indoor Shooting and Sport. Pictured are (L to R) Jeff Hooton of Synovus Bank, Tom Hammonds, Aaron Weinstock and Edna Keefe. Photo by Carrie Alves Photography, Destin.