‘Old Man and the Grove’ – Grimal Grove Documentary

grimal grove

Documentary producer Diomedes Bermudez will present a short film trailer at 6pm, Sunday, November 6, at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street, Key West, about Patrick B. Garvey’s work to rescue the tropical paradise on Big Pine Key called Grimal Grove.

When Adolf Grimal travelled to Big Pine Key in the late 1950’s he stumbled upon his life’s purest mission. This hermit, engineer, adventurer and genius spent the next 40 years of his life tirelessly building his own Garden of Eden. The wiry inventor who looked more like a chemist than a lumberjack single-handedly developed an engineering wonder. From sun-up to sun-down he chiseled, dug, dynamited, and created a tropical fruit paradise in a part of the world once considered impossible for growing.

The tragedy in his life-long obsession is that he never planned for the future: Who was going to look after the love of his life? When he died his once beautiful land was abandoned. His beloved trees went neglected. For the next 15 years the Grimal Grove was forgotten.

But, when an adventurer by the name of Patrick Garvey stumbled upon the property, he too found his life’s purest mission.

Patrick B. Garvey educates a group of Grimal Grove visitors about the 2 acre property currently in the process of being transformed into a tropical edible park and community resource by the non-profit Growing Hope Initiative organization, founded and directed by Garvey.
Patrick B. Garvey educates a group of Grimal Grove visitors about the 2 acre property currently in the process of being transformed into a tropical edible park and community resource by the non-profit Growing Hope Initiative organization, founded and directed by Garvey.

‘Old Man and the Grove’ captures the obsession and sense of duty as Patrick Garvey risks it all to save another man’s dream along with the passion, sacrifice and lunacy both men were driven by to build something inspirational not only for themselves, but for the community.

The eight-minute short documentary was produced with the intent to raise funds to tell the story in the manner befitting of such a complex, interesting tale.

Tickets are $20 in advance at tropiccinema.com; $25 at the door. Doors open at 6pm; trailer screens at 6:30. The trailer will be followed by a Q&A session, then beer, wine and hors d’ouevres provided by Island Erie Eats.

For more information contact Diomedes Bermudez at [email protected] or 305-283-4175.

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2 thoughts on “‘Old Man and the Grove’ – Grimal Grove Documentary

  1. This is timely in consideration of the following comments in part that Mr. Garvey wrote and Rick Arnold, Jr. presented at a recent Truman Waterfront Park Advisory Board meeting:

    “I wanted to express my intention to support and offer my services in the possible establishment of the Southernmost Tropical Fruit Park at the proposed Key West Waterfront site.” – Patrick B. Garvey

    Mr. Arnold has sponsored a fruit grove that the City Engineering Dept. has suggested could be located in what would be an unused portion of Parcel C across the street from the proposed amphitheater.

  2. Here’s the entire letter Mr. Garvey wrote to the City Commissioners, and it was also handed out to Waterfront board members:

    July 18, 2016

    Dear Key West City Commissioners:

    I wanted to express my intention to support and offer my services in the possible establishment of the Southernmost Tropical Fruit Park at the proposed Key West Waterfront site. I think such a project would be a great addition for the city of Key West. I believe it adds to the growing eco friendly tourism of Key West. It can be a resource for education, health and well being and business.

    I’ve been leading agricultural initiatives in South Florida for the past five years. My current project is the Grimal Grove on Big Pine Key. I was able to overcome many obstacles to discover and save this unique agricultural masterpiece and important piece of Florida Keys history. The Grimal Grove offers a plethora of opportunities thanks to the fruits grown on site. After visiting the proposed site location with Richard Arnold, I believe creating a Southernmost Tropical Fruit Park in Key West is not only possible but progressive for the city, and would align with the national trend to localize food and to improve our food system. I believe it will have many positive impacts on locals and tourists alike. From the events we’ve had at the Grimal Grove, I can attest to our community’s growing interest in tropical fruit. As well, the interest from tourists has grown, especially since the Florida Keys climate allows us to grow ultra-tropical trees grown nowhere else in continental United States.

    As with any project an investment into planning, design and proper Implementation is required to maximize the asset and minimize the risk.

    I am happy to help in that effort and offer the Grimal Grove to be a resource. I have knowledge and an extensive network within this industry to make this a successful venture.

    Sincerely,
    Patrick B. Garvey
    Director of Grimal Grove
    Founder & CEO of Growing Hope Initiative

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