Author: Useppa

The New Normal…A Useppa Morning Walkabout – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Just over a month ago Hurricane Ian pummeled southwest Florida. Within days Useppa began the assessment of property and landscape damage. Now reconstruction has begun. People are working hard and smiling. Volunteers, Island employees, the Fire Department, and independent contractors are partners. Structural progress is happening. Green leaves bud on brown bushes and trees. Equipment and heart heavy lifting are underway. The rebirth of Useppa is happening.

Useppa Stewards Make It All Possible, Labor Day Part II – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Thanks to the men and women who work on Useppa, we were able to enjoy and celebrate Labor Day Weekend on the island, a gift in all our lives. Families and friends return every year. Residents and local Members enjoy the end of summer and beginning of Fall. It is a time of fun and gratitude. On Useppa the two go together.

Labor Day Weekend of Love, Part I – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – In the pool, lunch on the patio, swing set fun, climbing the banyan tree, …. It’s the smiles in the pictures that tell the story. Hugs, love, and gratitude describe Labor Day Weekend on Useppa. It was the end of summer and one more celebration of Island life.

Labor Day Kids Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Twelve anglers cast their lines (Okay… This is not FAKE NEWS. Some moms and dads helped). From toddlers on up it was another day of kids fishing together on the Marina docks. Snappers, Catfish and a Pinfish were caught and released in the Izaak Walton tradition. Captain Ken Horney and Maggie McCormack made it all happen. Despite the hot summer heat, in the Useppa tradition, parents, grandparents, and kids all had fun.

The End of a Peaceful Summer – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Soft morning sunrises. A pallet of sunset colors. Smiles on faces in between. Another summer on Useppa is coming to an end. How lucky we all were to enjoy being together as family and friends. How lucky we are to be part of the Useppa community.

The Gifts of an Island Summer – Thoughts and Photos by UseppaGin – Sunset paintings across the sky above. Sunshine days in the pool. Useppa vacations in cottages by the sea. Different languages spoken but similar smiles. Old and new members of the Useppa Family gather in island summer peace and happiness. How lucky we are.

Employee Summer Barbecue – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – An old tradition returned with a summer barbecue for Useppa Employees. Instead of taking care of the island, Island stewards were taken care of at an old-fashioned picnic. Family members visiting their parents joined in. Second and third generational Useppa employees made the day even more fun. Captain Michael Keel was chosen Employee of the 2nd Quarter selected by his fellow Useppa workers. According to one, “Captain Mike goes above and beyond to help anyone in need whoever they are. He makes us all comfortable, and on the boat coming and going to Useppa, music is playing, he’s smiling and joking.” Captain Mike’s wife Samm and new baby Oaklee joined in the celebration.

Flags, Friends, and Families: 4th of July on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Flags welcomed friends and families to Useppa celebrating the 4th of July. Flags flew over Island cottages, lined pathways. Employees asked to hold flags in their pictures. From different places, different backgrounds, with different beliefs, we were together in spirit celebrating our country’s birthday.

July 4th Kids Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Twelve kids caught twelve fish in Useppa’s July 4th Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Tournament. William Siviter caught the Most Fish. The Biggest Catfish was caught by Weston Beckman – a 19” Grouper. Brothers Brody and Benton Ball tied, each winning a trophy for catching the same size Biggest Mangrove Snapper. AND…. For the first time someone over twelve also won an award. Useppa’s bait shrimp had died. Frozen ones were purchased, but they weren’t the same. Captain Rhett Morris was on the island with family and friends. He and the kids got in their boat, went out, and caught bait. Captain Rhett won a trophy for Most Bait Caught. Thanks to Tournament Director Kyle Corey, Captain Ken Horney, and Jasmin Al-Shimary for making it all happen

Useppa Fathers, Sons, and Daughters – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Useppa fathers love the water, love the island, and love sharing both with their families. Boats arrive at the Marina with fathers and kids of all ages ready to explore, ready to enjoy. Fathers staying here with their children drive around on golf carts, conduct homeschool in the Tarpon, fish off the docks. The smiles on faces of wives and mothers radiate the love we are all lucky to share. Father’s Day on Useppa is a gift.