Goodbye Raul and Brenda

Useppa Family Members Leave Home – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Useppa Island recently said good-bye to two of its hard working staff members. Brenda Perez and Raul Huerta are off to new careers and new challenges. Brenda was part of our Housekeeping Department and Raul was behind the Front Desk. They both always wore a smile no matter how long the day, no matter how heavy the workload. During the Pandemic, Brenda treated every surface with respect and a good hard scrub. No germs had a chance with Brenda. Now she will work as a Medical Assistant. Moving luggage, rescuing injured birds, answering the Island phone, and so much more, Raul did it all. Raul is related to many of the Useppa staff. They will miss him as much as the rest of us as he begins a new life in Jacksonville. Some of these pictures were taken at their Useppa Farewell Party. Some were taken over the years. Brenda and Raul…. Good luck and thank you from your Useppa family.

Summer Visitors

Summer Visitors Discover Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Visiting friends and families were on the Island this week. Some have been here before, but for others, it was their first time to tie up at the Main Dock, walk the Pink Path, enjoy a leisurely meal at the Collier or on the Patio, swim in the pool, play in the water. All shared a respect for Useppa’s history, and for its gift of a safe place to be during uncertain times.

Lazy Summer Days

Lazy August Summer Days – Pictures and thoughts by UseppaGin – It’s a quiet summer on the Island. Families gather together in the pool, down by the swing set, fishing from a dock. There is a sense of gratitude among those lucky enough to be on Useppa for a day, for a vacation. Lunch on the Collier patio is never rushed. The spaces between tables encourage leisurely conversation between friends, between generations. Wednesday Family Night Fried Chicken is just that. This year more than ever it is a gift to be part of Useppa. Thank you to all who make it safe and possible.

The Castellanos’

Useppa’s Doctor C is Gone – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Ron Castellanos, Useppa’s Doctor C, died Saturday after a lengthy illness. He and his wife Cindy who died in April were long time Island residents and supporters. Ron drove his golf cart from one end of the island to the other with a wave and a smile for everyone while he made house calls, offering medical advice and friendship. His formal practice was in Cape Coral as a urologist, and his connections vast in the mainland medical community. He knew who to see whatever the problem and he made it happen for people on and off Useppa. Short on cash? No problem. Dr C accepted payment in fresh caught fish. Ron made each of us feel as though we were his best friend, and his heart was big enough to make that true. Useppa is a better place because of Ron. We will miss him and Cindy. Now it is our turn to take care of each other.