Author: Useppa

Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament

Boys + Girls + Fish = An Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Tournament

photo and story by Useppa Gin

Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Tournaments have long been a tradition on Useppa.  Awards are given for 1st fish, Last fish, Ugliest fish, Most fish, etc.  But the point isn’t the award.  It isn’t the competition.  Izaak Walton Kids Tournaments are held to introduce our youngest islanders to the fun of fishing.  They teach the tradition of catching a fish, measuring it, and then setting it free, releasing it back into the water to watch it swim away.

Children who once fished the tournaments are now grownups helping new anglers learn how to put a shrimp on a hook, how to cast a line, and reel in the big one.  Grandparents teach another generation of family fishermen.  Moms and dads get as excited as their children when that first fish flops its way down the dock.

Join us next time with your own family, or just have fun watching.  It’s part of life on Useppa.

New Year’s Eve 2014

New Year’s Eve on Useppa

* Photographs  by Natalie Kerr, Story by Useppa Gin

For one night Useppa became a South Pacific island instead of a small, private island off Florida’s west coast.  Menu, music, fire dancers, and guests created a different world, and a unique experience that all will remember.

*Special thanks to volunteer photographer, Natalie Kerr.  She is only thirteen, but her poise and talent are the marks of a future professional.

Wassail Bowl 2014

Christmas Eve at the Collier

Story and photos by Useppa Gin

Paul Miller was in fine form and the Useppa Chorale ready to sing.  The sounds of old standards and Christmas carols filled the inn.  Children were laughing, people singing, all dressed in holiday finery for the island’s once a year musical gathering of family and friends.  Stephanie S. led everyone in “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”  Steve K. directed “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and Miller sang “Silent Night” in German with his grandson Tor C.

Family pictures round the Christmas tree.  Yesterday’s children are now this year’s young adults.  Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament playmates have graduated from college.  Last year’s little kids still hang out in the pool and at the hot tub, but only after dark.  A new generation of Useppans takes its place in island history passing down island traditions.

Parents are now grandparents.  Those once babysat are now the babysitters.  And on Christmas Eve, past and present come together under the leadership of an eighty-seven year old conductor, younger at heart than most of his choir.

Annual Employee Christmas Party

2014 Employee Christmas Party

Roxanne Fiorello Employee of the Year

JR Hillier Employee of the 4th Quarter 2014

Story and photos by Useppa Gin

The Annual Useppa Employee Christmas Party was held in the Tarpon Bar on Christmas Eve.  Laughter, a few tears, gratitude, memories and celebration…good ways to end the year.

The Christmas Fund, donated by Useppa Island Club members, was distributed based on years of service and particular jobs with more given to “behind the scenes folk” not visible for regular tipping.  Lucky numbers determined recipients of Santa gifts in stockings hung on the tree.  Gift cards and cash for fortunate winners.

Applause and backslapping followed JR through the crowd as he received his award as Employee of the 4th Quarter.  Then there was a standing ovation for Roxanne when Tim Fitzsimmons announced her name as Employee of the Year.

Thanks to Lou Ann and her crew.  Thanks to Useppa Island Club.  Thanks to Club Members.  Thank you all for making it a great end to the year.

And thank you to all of the employees of Useppa who make the magic of this island happen.

Sea Glass Cottage

Located on the historic Pink Promenade, just steps from the original Tarpon Inn, Sea Glass Cottage will enjoy both sunrises and sunsets.  Construction will begin soon by VIP Structures, the same company that built the last three of the best quality built homes on Useppa Island. VIP Structures will also be building Wind Drift Cottage at the same time.

This home will have three bedrooms, three baths and a study or den that could also be a fourth bedroom.  There is an elevator that will bring you from the lower storage area to both living floors.  Natural hardwood floors throughout the home.  Sea Glass Cottage also has an expansive deck on the east side surrounding the swimming pool, constructed using the 120 year old water cistern.

A pre-construction discount will be considered which will also allow the buyer to select their own finishing touches.

Click below on “Sea Glass Cottage” for a  brochure

Sea Glass Cottage

Sea Glass Cottage is offered at $2,100,000

Useppa Property Company
P.O. Box 640
Useppa Island FL 33922
Licensed Real Estate Broker
239-283-4227

 

Wind Drift Cottage

Located on Dolphin Bay, just south of the Useppa Marina, Wind Drift Cottage will enjoy the best sunsets on the island.  Construction will begin soon by VIP Structures, the same company that built the last three of the best quality built homes on Useppa Island. VIP Structures will also be building Sea Glass Cottage at the same time.

This home will have three bedrooms, three baths and a study or den that could also be a fourth bedroom.  There is an elevator that will bring you from the lower storage area to both living floors.  Natural hardwood floors throughout the home.  Wind Drift Cottage also has a wall of glass that will open up on the water side, creating the feeling of being on a large yacht.

A pre-construction discount will be considered which will also allow the buyer to select their own finishing touches.

Click below on “Wind Drift Cottage” for a  brochure

Wind Drift Cottage

Wind Drift Cottage is offered at $1,900,000

Useppa Property Company
P.O. Box 640
Useppa Island FL 33922
Licensed Real Estate Broker
239-283-4227

 

Winter’s First Sail

Useppa Sandpiper Race
January 25, 2014
By Race Committee Chair Bob Stevens
We got lucky Saturday!  The breeze from the north was just right at the start, diminished a bit, but held on enough for a fun “race-around-the-Island”  to start the season.  It simply went away during the afternoon.
Six boats were on the water for the delayed start at 10:30.  The trip around the Island took the lead boat about an hour.  Charlie Chapin, with crew Kim Lockhart, sailed Buttercup with his usual wisdom, and won handily.
Charlie started on the beach side of the starting line, made a tight beat to North Point, where Buttercup’s centerboard left a line in the sand in the shallows, and led the way around the west side of the Island.
Jay Taylor went too far north at the start, but made up considerable distance rounding the south end of the Island, and with his crew Ginny and Linda O’Connell, finished second, sailing the Millers boat, Seacat.
Walt Corbin, with Jim Doherty as crew and tactician in Osprey, made up a lot of distance after, too, going out to far at the start, and finished in third place.
The others sailing were Wiggy captained by Charles Shook with his wife Rhonda aboard, Amrita with Mike Albert at the helm and Dan O’Connell as his crew, and Cats-Up skippered by Suzy Trino and crewed by husband Vic.
Hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, cookies, and peach pie made for a delightful Bill’s Grille on the beach.  Kay Chapin, Amy Lockhart, and the Swigerts, with help from Rhonda Shook, provided the lunch.

 Photos by UseppaGin