Author: Useppa

St. Patrick’s Day – Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – ‘Twas another grand Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Useppa. The wearing of the green on March 17th is an island tradition. For one family, it’s the fourth generation parading up and down the beach. Prizes, applause and accolades were awarded to all the participants aboard decorated golf carts. Green beer awaited all at the Tarpon, and for one day, everyone on Useppa was Irish.

A DAY ON USEPPA – photos and thoughts by UseppaGin – Families and friends on the water, enjoying a game of bocce, riding golf carts, playing on the beach, sitting in the sunshine on the back porch…it’s the time of year when we’re all together and grateful for each day.

Contagious Happiness – Comments and Photos by UseppaGin – A new baby makes her first island visit, archaeologists return, college friends enjoy a reunion, families play on the beach, cottages change ownership, and so much more…Useppa in March is a time to savor.

Orchids, Scoundrels, and Author Craig Pitman at the Useppa Museum – Comments and photos by UseppaGin – A standing room only audience listened to Craig Pitman’s tales of orchid adventurers in their quests to find the rarest flowers. For hundreds of years plant swashbucklers trekked across continents smuggling specimens home.
This nefarious activity is described in Pitman’s “true crime/gardening” book The Scent of Scandal.

Friends, Family, Sailing & Bill’s Grille – Comments and photos by UseppaGin – Another Saturday on the waters off Useppa with Island sailors enjoying the morning breezes. Three generations in one family sailed Ragtime. Husbands and wives smiled at each other as though on dates. Purrfect was handed to a new owner, sailed by both. A Committee Boat set the course and Blue Chip’s captain gave a running commentary on race results until he had to go and grill hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch at Bill’s Grille. It doesn’t get any better.

Cold Weather, Warm Smiles – comments and photos by UseppaGin – The weather was too cold for sailing. Only two Sandpipers braved the gray skies and low tides last Saturday, Feb 3rd. But by lunch time, hamburgers on the beach and lunch on the Collier Inn Patio were a perfect match for warming temperatures.
In the winter, there is no better place to be than Useppa Island.

Super Bowl on Useppa – photos and comments by UseppaGin – What better place to watch the Super Bowl than on Useppa Island? Boats in the Marina, good food, drinks, and football on the big screen in the Tarpon Bar. Life doesn’t get much better… unless you are a Patriots’ fan.

Island Wintery Weather – Comments and photos by UseppaGin – Anchorage off Useppa, croquet, bocce by the beach, the Collier Inn for lunch, sailboats, families, and birds – just another Island winter day. Temperatures cold by Florida standards only make nature’s warmth more intriguing.

Doc Anna: Swamp Doctor of Florida Makes a House Call on Useppa – Comments and photos by UseppaGin – Swamp Doctor Anna visited the Useppa Museum the other night. “If you haven’t heard the roar of a bull alligator and some night bird answer, you haven’t lived,” she told her listeners. The second woman doctor licensed in the state of Florida, she practiced for 47 years and delivered over 1,000 babies. “Too many to count but not to remember.” Carrie-Sue Ayvar, a nationally acclaimed bilingual storyteller, brought artist and physician Dr. Anna Darrow (1876-1959) to life in a one woman show. It was a privilege to be in the audience.

2017 Nine Wicket Beach Croquet on Useppa Island – Comments and photos by UseppaGin – Beach Croquet is an Island tradition. Sixty-four players dressed in white meet every December 30th and the fun begins. Names are drawn – those who know the game paired with those who have never held a mallet. Friendship, good natured banter, and even some serious competition characterize the day. This year the Tournament was played in honor of long time Island resident Paul Miller. For thirty years, his sportsmanship and sense of humor made the game fun for everyone on Useppa. Now his family and friends carry on his habit of laughter and sportsmanship.