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 passion and dedication to his land will always be remembered, and his pioneering spirit will continue to be a source of pride for Walton County.
In 1925, he and his wife Marion acquired property from failed farmers which they later platted for their Miramar Beach Subdivision in 1937. Despite living in Westchester, New York at the time, Lt. Col. Grimaldi kept his dream alive. He courageously served in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the 3rd Army under General Patton during World War II, and his hard work and dedication to his land will never be forgotten.
After he retired in 1951, Michael and Marion Grimaldi finally made their dream of living on the beautiful beach along the Gulf of Mexico in Walton County a reality. It was here that they established the long-forgotten area of Shoals, Miramar Beach, which Lt. Col. Grimaldi envisioned as a seaside community of retirees enjoying the sugar-white beaches of South Walton County.
Their daughter, Barbara Grimaldi, saw the potential of her parents’ dream and is now proud to have sold off the remaining 156 66/100 acres of Michael Grimaldi’s homesteaded land in 1927. The land was originally given to them by the United States Government as part of an initiative to settle the area. Barbara continues to reside at Miramar Beach and is delighted that her father’s vision of a residential community has come to fruition.
H.C. “Hank” Klein, a Destin historian and proud resident of North Little Rock, Arkansas with his wife (the former Muriel Marler of Destin), recently published an incredible book about the pioneer settlers of Destin, DESTIN Pioneer Settlers…A Land History of Destin, Florida from 1819-1940. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com, Tony Mennillo of Arturo Studios at 850/585-2909, Dewey Destin’s Restaurants, in Destin, the Magnolia Grill in Fort Walton Beach, or Bayou Books in Niceville. Those interested in reaching out to Mr. Klein can do so via email at klein@aristotle.net.
Lt. Col. Michael Grimaldi’s intuition and determination were the driving force behind Miramar Beach becoming one of Florida’s most well-known and visited destinations. stated goals were to own a beautiful beachfront property, which he later opened up with Highway AP 98 and many aspects that give charm and vibrant atmosphere to this popular vacation destination. After being introduced to his studio audience, guests and residents alike still laud his tenacity and memory as the feather in his cap. The legacy of Lt. Col. Grimaldi’s related achievements stands fast as an example for us all: consider your dreams, work hard, and turn your aspirations into realities.
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