Born in Italy, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Grimaldi had a great vision for the now-thriving community of South Walton County. He was able to realize his dream in 1927 when he acquired homestead land, building his dream home out of hand-hewn timbers and homemade bricks despite the citrus failure of the farmers around him. In 1936, the federal government's completion of US Highway 98 opened up auto-access to the area, paving the way for Lt. Col. Grimaldi's success.
Col. Michael Grimaldi was a latecomer to the area now known as Miramar Beach, Florida, but he gave it its name. His homestead land was acquired in 1927, just about the same time many citrus farmers were leaving due to their citrus trees developing citrus canker. Despite this, Grimaldi saw potential in the beautiful sugar-white sand beaches and decided to stay. He had big plans for the area and his vision has resulted in it becoming one of the most sought-after destinations today.
In 1936, the Federal Government built US Highway 98, the Gulf Coast Highway, from Apalachicola to Pensacola - providing access to the area for the first time by automobile. This was an important step in Col. Grimaldi's vis...
