Virginia Park
Florida’s warm winters appealed to Chicago millionaire Bertha Palmer. She bought 80k acres in 1910, including what would be Virginia Park. Ten streets comprised the development: Five for larger homes (Palmira, Barcelona, Granada, Empedrado, Bay to Bay) and five for more modest houses (Santiago, San Juan, San Pedro, Obispo, Tacon). By 1916, Virginia Park featured paved roads, wide sidewalks and electric lights. Palmer also financed construction of nearby Palma Ceia Golf Club as a further inducement. Unfortunately, she died in 1918 before getting to see Virginia Park reach its full potential.