Author: Useppa

Boots on the Ground – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Two hurricanes smacked Useppa, but because of the men and women working on the island, recovery is happening one day at a time. Homeowners, the Fire Department, private contractors & their crews, volunteers, and loyal Useppa employees are rebuilding the island we love. It isn’t easy. It takes time, but Helene and Milton didn’t destroy us. New docks and decks are being built. We have water and electricity. Landscaping is being brought back. The Collier Inn is reopening on a limited schedule. The launch brings us back and forth from the mainland. Home repairs and cleanup are well underway. Cheers and thank you to the men and women who saved our island.

Sunrise Walkabout – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On a short Island walk this morning, I saw a sunrise sky reflection over the new Marina dock being built, I saw the beauty of a new day beginning on Useppa. Some things don’t change. The last picture is a 9:00 am picture of bright sun and dock reconstruction fully underway. It will take time, but Useppa is on the road to recovery.

Post Hurricane Helene & Pre Hurricane Milton – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Only two weeks ago the storm surge of Hurricane Helene pummeled Useppa. Docks were damaged or destroyed. The main barge dock in front of the Collier Inn is trash. Island infrastructure took another hit. Homes were flooded underneath; air conditioners and hot water heaters are junk. Unsecured propane tanks washed away. ASAP Service Department employees, the Collier and Tarpon staff, the Bocilla Marina crew, landscaping, management, and contractor personnel were at work cleaning up the debris, fixing the mess. And tonight, Hurricane Milton potentially even more devastating than Helene will pound Useppa. The last boats left the island on Monday. The Fire Department closed everything down yesterday. These pictures show some of Helene’s damage. They also show the spirit and resilience of her caretakers and residents. but tonight…Whatever happens…Useppa doesn’t give up.

The Beginning of Island Fall – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The first fall weekend on Useppa was full of smiling families and friends. Dining in the Collier or on the patio, swimming together in the pool, at the Marina, or walking the Pink Path … the spirit of Island happiness was contagious.

Last Days of Island Summer – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Smiles and hugs were shared as another Useppa summer came to an end. At the pool, beach, Collier Inn and Patio Tarpon Bar, Pink Path, and Marina, families and friends savored the windup of another island season. No one takes time on Useppa for granted. Each day, each visit is a gift.

Labor Day Kids Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The tradition of holiday kids fishing continues. Standing on one leg with a hand in the air the promise is made to “release unharmed” every fish, and the fun begins. Anglers promise to help each other “when help is needed.” Grandparents, parents, and friends are there to help too. Island visitors watch from their boats or sitting together under the Crow’s Nest. An Izaak Walton Kids’ Fishing Tournament is fun for all ages.

Summer Sunshine and Smiles – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It was a quiet weekend with Island neighbors and friends enjoying their time on Useppa. During the week the Service Department and the Fire Department coordinated a controlled burn of landscaping debris. The Pink Path sidewalk improvements continued. And the best news is that the iconic Pink Path Banyan Tree is being trimmed and treated to prolong its life. To Useppa it’s not just a tree. It’s a symbol of past and present, a well-loved backdrop in hundreds of family photos. Children once held on its branches are now parents holding their own children smiling at the camera. Useppa recovery from Ian continues. Even the Banyan Tree is smiling.

Hot Weather, Warm Smiles – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Summer on Useppa is hot weather and warm smiles with some rain and storms added for excitement. It’s a time when mainland members pack up their boats and bring family and friends out for lunch on the Collier patio, an afternoon at the pool, cool drinks and conversation in the Tarpon Bar by the Marina. During the week only a few lucky people are on the island. Homeowners and visitors feel like Useppa belongs just to them. Summer …. one more island gift.

Tropical Storm Debby on Useppa: Before, During, and After – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Cleanup is still going on, but the water is back on, roadways are clean, and the high tides and high winds only memories. There are damages that still need repair, but the smiles before Debby and the smiles after show nothing can stop Island life. Pictures show bits of the storm on Useppa, but only one week later and all is good. Thumbs Up Useppa!!!!!

Summer Weekends on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Boats with families arrive at the Marina. Multigenerational passengers unload and begin their walks to the pool. Other families and families staying on the island are already swimming or having lunch on the Collier patio. Summer weekends on Useppa are a chance for Florida year-rounders to enjoy leisurely visits. Boating Members have the island almost to themselves.