Month: May 2023

Welcome Back to Useppa, Memorial Day Weekend Part I – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – For the first time since Hurricane Ian struck in September, Useppa Island could welcome everyone back. Boats could dock at the Marina again. Glasses were raised at Friday night’s Happy Hour. Lunches and dinners were served in the Collier Inn. The pool was open. Lunch was served on the patio. Thank you to all who made it happen. Thank you to all shared in the celebration. On a somber note, a humble thank you to the men and women who gave their lives so that we have this freedom.

The Collier Inn Is Open – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On May 25th the Collier Inn reopened for dinner eight months after being hit by Hurricane Ian. On May 26th families and friends dined inside and outside on the Collier patio, swam in the pool, and enjoyed a soda or cocktail at the poolside bar. Hurricane recovery isn’t over, but thanks to management, loyal hardworking employees, and supportive Useppa members and homeowners, the island is becoming once again the place we love.

Cheers!!! – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Progress continues on the Marina Crow’s Nest, and drinks are served again poolside for the first time since Hurricane Ian. The Bocilla Marina welcomes everyone coming and going to the island. Reconstruction of beach side homes continues. Life on Useppa is tipping forward.

Thank you Moms – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Thank you to all the mothers and grandmothers on Useppa – residents, guests, members, and staff… The island wouldn’t be the same without your tender care. Tucking little ones in at night, showing them how to drive a golf cart, run a boat, supporting middle schoolers and teenagers through years of fun but also years with anxiety, college age grownups and young marrieds…. Mothers teach by example. We are lucky Islanders to have a community of wise and loving women. Thank you to the staff who worked on Mother’s Day. Your mothers can be proud of you.

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.