So who's the famous person who planted the first grapefruit?

History has documented that the first cultivator of grapefruit in Florida was a Frenchman named Odet Philippe (pronounced O-Day Phil-eep).  Philippe led a colorful life and was said to bring the grapefruit from the West Indies.  He has been inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame.

Philippe is buried in what is now known as Philippe Park and his gravesite and marker can be easily seen from the parkway.

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