Lt. Col. Michael Grimaldi's indelible mark on Miramar Beach, Florida is understood to have started in 1927 when he acquired the homestead land, developing it and giving the area its current, iconic name. In 1936, with the roadways established, Grimaldi's pioneering spirit helped turn the beach into one of Walton County's most beloved destinations appreciated among both locals and tourists alike.
Col. Michael Grimaldi was a latecomer to the area that is now known as Miramar Beach, Florida, but his presence has left an indelible mark on its history. After homesteaders were ruined by citrus canker in the mid-1920s, most of the landowners moved on - yet Grimaldi stayed, acquiring his homestead land in 1927. He saw potential in the beautiful sugar-white sand beaches, and he put his ideas into action, ultimately giving the area its famous name.
In 1936, with the construction of the US Highway 98, now known as the Gulf Coast Highway, Grimaldi's land was thrust into the spotlight and provided access to the area for the first time. His vision and courage have forever shaped Miramar Beach into the iconic destination that it is today.
Lt. Col. Grimaldi's legacy of...
