Author: Useppa

Island Cleanup, A Community in Action – Thoughts by UseppaGin, Pictures by Cindy Ryan – Island-wide Useppa Hurricane Ian cleanup was a huge success. Homeowners and employees met at the Firehouse and were off for a day of shared hard work. The boots of all were on the ground. Together the Useppa family can do anything. Thank you to everyone who helped. The Useppa community is a gift we share with each other, a place we continually build together.

History and Fellowship: Author Bob Macomber at the Useppa Museum – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – In another sign of Useppa’s post-Ian recovery, author and Island friend Bob Macomber recently spoke at the Barbara Sumwalt Museum. It was a gathering of friends, history buffs, a talk, book signing, and fellowship. The story Macomber told was “The Patriot and The Widow.” James Henry from a Florida family married Sophira (AKA Sophia) a member of the Seminole tribe. It was an interracial marriage in a time when that was unacceptable. To many of James Henry’s family he was also a disgrace because he fought for the United States instead of fighting for the Confederacy. Useppa was a Yankee outpost. James and Sophira lived there during the war with their daughter. Henry was shot by a sniper during a rescue mission off Ft. Myers. Sophira was still on Useppa and later Sanibel. Widowed four times she died in her 90’s. After his talk, Bob Macomber said, “I always enjoy it when I speak at Useppa–the audience is full of accomplished, nice people who ask great questions!” The Island equally enjoys Bob. “Onward and upward for us all….”

Saturday on Useppa, Almost Back to Normal – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Finally, amidst Hurricane Ian debris pickup and the Marina dock being rebuilt, life on Useppa is returning to normal. Favorite homeowners are returning. Croquet lessons are given every Saturday. Members boat out for lunch at the Tarpon Bar. Orchids are going back up in the trees. Families are swimming off the beach. Friends work together on island cleanup. Useppa is still a gift in our lives.

Hurricane Ian Debris Cleanup is Underway – Thoughts by Ryan Berger, Pictures by UseppaGin – Contractors have mobilized to Useppa Island to begin the FEMA reimbursed cleanup efforts under a contract with the State of Florida. A collaborative effort between Inland Marine Group (Lil Mo, Heavy Equipment, and Barges), HernandoAg (Tractors and Trailers), and DRC Emergency Services (Monitoring and Support) is underway to remove all Construction Debris as efficiently as possible. The process will take a few days to move the debris to Lil Mo, which is acting as a temporary debris management site, where it is then sorted and accounted for before being barged to the mainland for final disposal.

The Tradition of Croquet Continues – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Even a hurricane couldn’t stop croquet on Useppa. The Christmas Tournament didn’t happen, but new and old players gathered on the lawn in early January. Veteran players challenged each other to a game. New players were introduced to the sport by Michael and Karen Albert. A decades old island tradition continued. It felt good to be out there again. Life on Useppa is returning to the familiar life we remember. We don’t take it for granted, and we know how lucky we are.

Useppa Cotton Club Music and Dancing – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The tradition continues. Thanks to its generous supporters, Useppa’s version of New York City’s Cotton Club had fingers snapping and feet dancing at the Tarpon Bar. Wednesday, December 28th. The Moonstone Riders played music from all genres, and it was a night to remember. Useppa feels like the island we all love again.

Beach Christmas on Useppa – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Christmas was different on Useppa this year. More new spontaneous celebrations were held instead of the normal and familiar Island merriments. A tree was decorated on the beach, and everyone gathered for its lighting. Then on Christmas night we gathered below around a fire pit and longtime Useppan Bill Newbold led us in Christmas carols. It was sad not to have all our usual families and friends with us, but Useppa Christmas was still filled with love.

Useppa Celebrates Its Employees, Part I – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Just before Christmas in a family gathering at the Tarpon Bar, Useppa honored and thanked its employees. Some are working full time, some part time, and some are on furlough until the Island fully reopens. Each one in his or her way is a gift to Useppa. Pete Frazetta was named Employee of the 4th Quarter. He is here 24 hours a day ready and to help everyone. Landscaping Department members were named Employees of the Year. We could never have come this far in recovery without each of them. Thank you from Management, Membership, and Homeowners to all!

Merry Christmas and Thank You to Useppa Island Employees – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Thank you to all the Useppa Employees helping Useppa recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. The Office, the Mailroom, and Reception building was destroyed. Working from the mainland online and in a makeshift office in the Tarpon Bar, the business of Useppa continues to operate. Landscaping and the Service Department juggle their jobs keeping the Island’s physical recovery on track. Housekeeping keeps cleaning and somehow the ladies keep smiling. The kitchen staff feeds workers on the dock, Island employees, and building contractors. It now also offers lunch and dinners to residents and guests. Hospitality behind the bar is back. The Marina may be gone, but the Captains are everywhere. The regular schedule of trips to and from the mainland is back. Each employee on Useppa is a gift. How lucky we are to have you in our Island family. It’s not too late. If you haven’t contributed yet or want to give more to the Useppa island Employee Christmas Fund….. Please contact Donald Beckstead at dbeckstead@useppa.com

A Soft Reopening – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – There was a Happy Hour in the Tarpon Bar for the first time since Hurricane Ian. Lunch was served over the weekend, and there was a dinner on Saturday night. Lunch will be served every day, Appetizers in the afternoon, and Dinner at night. Because we don’t have phone service, reservations must made by email to Reception @Useppa.com. Dock work continues. Island cleanup advances. Small steps forward but recovery will happen! Our hardworking employees and the contributions of residents make a difference every day. We are reclaiming Useppa.