Author: Useppa

Derby Day Celebrations, Island Happy Hour, Crow’s Nest Reconstruction & More – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The 2022/2023 season is winding down, but there is still lots happening on Useppa. The annual Derby Day Celebration was quieter this year, but new and old friends shared tables and conversations while enjoying Tarpon Bar specialty cocktails. Friday Happy Hour regulars gathered inside and out at the Tarpon. Families enjoyed each other’s company on the island. Goodbyes were said to seasonal friends. And… Reconstruction of the Marina Crow’s Nest destroyed by Hurricane Ian began in earnest. Nothing was there two weeks ago. Now it is more than halfway done.

FEMA on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – For the second time the Vietnam era boat Lil Mo returned to Useppa. FEMA was on the island for its second and last visit to dispose of Hurricane Ian construction and landscaping debris. Trucks loaded and hauled the garbage to the beach where it was then transferred to Lil Mo and handed over the side to a waiting barge. This went on for over two weeks and finally…. an empty field, the barge and Lil Mo left. Job well done! Thank you to all who made it happen.

A Museum Adventure – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On a recent spring morning Useppa islanders boarded the Captiva Cruises boat Santiva and headed off for a day of exploration and fun. First, south of Useppa, the historic old fish houses were investigated. Then it was off to the Tarpon Lodge on the mainland for lunch and afterwards a personal tour of the University of Florida’s Randell Research Center – the place where a city of 800 to a 1,000 Calusa Indians lived on Pine Island. On the way home cast nets were thrown the way they’ve been for generations. A thank you to the Useppa Historical Society, Captiva Cruises, the Tarpon Lodge, and the Randell Center for making it happen. A new tradition has begun.

A Bunny, Egg Hunt, & Butterflies: Easter on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Ian, Useppa’s Croquet Court was no place for the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Bunny looked around and decided why not join the butterflies? Why not hide eggs in the Butterfly Garden? And so, on Easter morning while everyone was at the Sunrise Service on the beach, Bunny hid eggs and asked volunteers to bring snacks and crafts for Useppa’s children. Great idea Bunny!! Everyone old and young had fun.

Sunrise Easter, Sunrise Hope – Thoughts and Photographs by UseppaGin – Useppa is still recovering from Hurricane Ian. The island’s Easter service is all inclusive. Everyone is welcome, everyone is part of a thoughtful celebration of community. On Easter Sunday as the sun rises beyond the gazebo, we lift our voices in prayer and song. We share the gift of fellowship and hope for a better tomorrow.

Celebrations and Ending, Useppa Yacht Club 2023 – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Useppa Yacht Club ended the 2023 season with prizes, the seasonal closing of Bill’s Grille, and discussions about next year. Longtime member and sailor Tony Colgan won the 1st John Coyle Memorial award. The trophy honors John Coyle “in recognition of his unfailing service to Useppa” and presented to a sailor showing similar “esprit de corp.” The 1st Stocker Cup Trophy went to race winners Ed King and Kim Lockhart. Kurt and Kathleen Stocker were long-time supporters of the UYC. It is fitting to have an award in their names. The crew at Bill’s Grille, Carol and Bill Newbold along with Amy Lockhart are turning in their gloves, but the tradition of delicious hamburgers and hotdogs will be carried on next year under new management. Memories of John Coyle and the Stockers will be preserved in trophies. The crew from Bill’s Grille will be honored in a continuation of table fellowship.

Easter Cotton Club – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Another night of fellowship and fun under the stars dancing poolside to music by Stolen Fruit. Thank you to Doug Hitchcox for arranging everything. Thanks to Jaclyn and Ryan Berger for sponsoring the event. And thank you to Donald Beckstead and the Useppa Island Club for making it happen. Hurricane recovery continues.

Springtime on Useppa – Thoughts and Photos by UseppaGin – Recovery from Hurricane Ian continues, but it no longer defines life on Useppa. Reconstruction of the Marina dock is almost finished. Members and guests mix with Islanders enjoying lunch and Friday Happy Hour at the Tarpon Bar. The Barbara Sumwalt Museum hosted a favorite writer. Craig Pitman spoke about Florida’s efforts to save the panther combining humor and science. The UYC is sailing every Saturday, weather permitting, and then gathering for lunch at Bill’s Grille. Spring Break means family visits. Useppa’s Cub Reporter is checking on butterfly births. Useppa is a gift we don’t take for granted.

Saint Patrick’s Day on Useppa Part II – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – One week ago, we paraded and partied. We danced and went to a delicious barbecue under the Pink Path Banyan Tree. Thanks to the Useppa Island Club and generous homeowners, we tipped a few beers, we listened to the Jug Creek Band, and just had fun. The comeback from Hurricane Ian continues. Thank you to all whose good deeds remind us just how fortunate we are.

Saint Patrick’s Day on Useppa, Part I – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Hurricane recovery is hard work. Sometimes we just need to have fun, come together as the Useppa family and play. The tradition of a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is decades old, but this year it was Part I of a celebration. Decorated golf carts paraded up and down the beach. Prizes were awarded to all, and then in Part II, there was music and a barbecue. How lucky all of us were to be part of it. Congratulations to the winners in the parade and thank you to all who made it possible.