A normal island weekend! Something to never take for granted.
Happy Hour at the Collier on Friday, a birthday party on Saturday, lunch on the patio, swimming in the pool, golf carts driving along the beach, neighbors and friends being together on Useppa…two weeks ago we wondered if this would ever happen again.
In two weeks, we have gone from Island evacuation to return, recovery, and now to clean up. When the last boat left Useppa, Hurricane Irma threatened destruction of the entire island. We were lucky, and spared her wrath.
But on the first few days after the storm, there was no electricity and no water. Bit by bit recovery began. Machinery and manual hard labor began clearing the debris. Electricity came back on and then water. The amount of work that needed to be done was daunting. Buildings were structurally sound, but trees, branches, and thousands of coconuts littered the island.
Hard and thoughtful work by everyone – homeowners, management, and employees insured our recovery. Thanks to their efforts, we have moved from recovery to clean up.
Congratulations Useppa!
Pictures from the boat ride around the island and faces of Useppa recovery are proof the Island is well on its road back. Not every house can be seen, but this overview should let everyone take a deep breath. The homes on Useppa and its people are in good shape.
Team Useppa doesn’t give up. Members only take breaks. Happy Hour at the Collier Inn on Friday, Tarpon Bar crew meals, and first lunches served at the Collier were the times we stepped back and relaxed a bit. Then the job of hurricane recovery continued.
Cleanup of two reclamation ponds, a carefully controlled burn of debris, home inspections and repairs are ongoing. Everyone is involved and giving more than asked. Faces of homeowners, employees, construction workers and management smile despite exhaustion.
Another hurricane, and Useppa’s winning record continues.
Management, homeowners, and staff have spent the last few days working together to clean up debris left by Hurricane Irma. No one on the island ends the day with a clean shirt or clean hands.
These pictures show some of the mess we’ve had to contend with, but most of the homes are fine. Only a few minor problems. Water and electric are back on, but it’s not the time yet for everyone, pets and children to return. There are too many heavy vehicles on the roads and pathways. There will be a Happy Hour Friday night and limited food service Saturday, but that’s it. There is no internet.
Useppa is lucky to have the men and women working tirelessly on its recovery. We will post more pictures tomorrow.
