Useppa Island Featured in News-Press and Naples Daily News: Homeowners Complete $16M Purchase
LOCAL & STATE
All about the purchase of Useppa
Homeowners form LLC, buy private island for $16M
By Kyle Foster – Fort Myers News-Press | Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network – Florida
A group of Useppa Island homeowners formed an LLC (limited liability company) and bought the private island for $16 million this summer. How did they do it? Who lives on Useppa? How many homes are there?
Who bought the island?
A group of Useppa homeowners formed Useppa Island Partners LLC in May 2025 to acquire the property. They took majority control in August, according to Charlotte County and Lee County property records.
What did the group pay? What did they get?
Useppa Island Partners, led by Chief Executive Officer Steve Mezynieski and Chairman, Simon Bound, paid $16 million for the 120-acre island in Pine Island Sound, just north of Captiva Island. The purchase includes the Collier Inn, docks, tennis courts, and other amenities on the island. Deed records show the sale closed in late August.
Where is Useppa?
Useppa Island is located at the northern end of Pine Island Sound between Captiva and Cabbage Key. The island is part of Lee County but accessed via a dock on Pine Island in neighboring Charlotte County. No bridge connects Useppa to the mainland — it is only accessible by boat.
How many homes are on the island?
There are 120 homes on the island and about half are single-family homes, Mezynieski said.
How many social members and what is a social member?
Though about 100 or so people visit Useppa Island as members of the Useppa Island Club (founded in 1976 by Barron Collier), there are about 600 social members — mostly boaters who frequent the marina, restaurant, and other facilities. Each social member needs referrals from two homeowners to be considered.
Is the public allowed on Useppa?
Not without an invitation from a member or homeowner. Useppa Island is private, with the ferry only serving residents and members.
What are plans for redevelopment?
Useppa has suffered storm damage through the years, including a direct hit from Hurricane Charley in 2004, and more recently, extensive damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Helene in 2024.
Useppa Island Partners plans to continue rebuilding efforts on the island, including Collier Inn, the marina, and tennis courts. They also plan to continue community restoration and improve island amenities.
How about a name change? Anything planned?
Marina has been added to the name. The group said the island club is now Useppa Island Club & Marina.
Useppa’s story continues to unfold, and we’re just getting started. Stay connected for updates on restoration progress, community milestones, and future plans for the island.