Month: February 2024

Time to Come Back – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Lunch is served on the patio, Happy Hours are held at the Collier Bar, sailing races and Bill’s Grille are Saturday traditions, the Butterfly Garden hosts winged and walking friends. Finally, after Hurricane Ian’s devastation, life on Useppa is returning to normal! Come on back!!!!!

Finally…The Collier Reopens – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Useppa is still recovering from Hurricane Ian striking the island in September 2022. But…. the good news is that the Collier Inn has finally reopened. Valentine’s Day was celebrated with Useppa friends and family. Two days later Islanders gathered again for Happy Hour drinks and dinners. Useppa feels like home again.

February Fun on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Boats in the Marina, volunteers in the Butterfly Garden, sailors in the 2nd Useppa Yacht Club 2024 Regatta, a speaker at the Museum, and fun in the pool… February on Useppa Island. Families and friends arrived by boat for the weekend. Old and new sailors raced and enjoyed Bill’s Grille on the beach. Betty Jean Steinshouer spoke at the Barbara Sumwalt Museum about environmental changes in Florida, and the roles of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas and Rachel Carson in protecting and preserving the place we love. Butterfly Garden and Paradise Partnership volunteers were the boots on the ground taking care of Useppa gardens. Chess games, bocce, and time at the pool rounded out the fun of early Useppa winter.

UYC’s First Sail of 2024 – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Four Catboats took to sail in the Useppa Yacht Club’s first race of 2024. Instead of competition it was more a teaching experience with new sailors learning the rules, experiencing the fun, then gathering for lunch at Bill’s Grille. Sailing is an island tradition passed down from old to new UYC members. All members are welcome on the water and for table fellowship. (An uninvited guest crashed the party but left before being properly introduced. The incident is under investigation. See his pictures.)

Happy Hours on Useppa – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – In the Tarpon, on the water, in the Orchid Brigade, at a 93rd birthday lunch, friendship and fellowship define life on Useppa. The island is a gift we all share.