Useppa Island Historical Cooperation at the Forefront Again

Useppa Island Paradise Partnership

Continuing a tradition of Useppa Island Homeowners and Club management  working together to enhance Useppa Island,  a team consisting of manager Donald Beckstead and dozens of residents converged this January morning to replant the hillsides next to the bridge behind the Tarpon Bar and reception. 

Throughout life and within every community large and small, there are those that just don’t see the advantage of cooperation. On Useppa, that is rare indeed.

Led by a committee formed by the Board of Governors, the Useppa Island Paradise Partnership team planted dozens of bromeliads with trowels and spades working the sandy soil.  They were then followed by a team of orchid lovers, carefully rooting the fragile plants in tree branches and within the Cereus that climb the ancient Live Oaks that shade the targeted area.

Conceived by homeowner and Board member Donna Anderson, the owners relied upon the Useppa Service Department to provide huge tubs of bromeliads, dug by hand from other island locations.  Beckstead led the effort with shovel and post hole digger. The ever-present Ginny Amsler, island resident and editor of the quarterly Useppa Chronicle, was there to record the team effort.

Useppa Homeowners Team Landscaping Effort

Resident Editor and Photographer Capturing the Action

A Longstanding Commitment

This type of island cooperation and communal effort dates back over 30 years, with early projects led by  Bill and Edna Hager, who would regularly sally forth from their yellow cottage under the great banyan tree to plant coconut, mango, lime, mulberry and dozens of other varieties in selected projects throughout the island. Walk south, along the Pink Path from the museum, and the broad variety of trees that frame the path date from their efforts in the mid 1980’s. They were joined, as in this effort, by many homeowners and management who share a deep affection for Useppa’s beauty.

Useppa Island Paradise Partnership

Hurricane Charley, while challenging to all Useppans, was seen by the homeowners as another chance to make things better. That effort was led by the Useppa Island Property Owners Association In cooperation with founder Gar Beckstead. A multi-year focus and methodical replacement of the islands shredded landscape was accomplished.

Throughout life and within every community large and small, there are those that just don’t see the advantage of cooperation. On Useppa, that is rare indeed.

A PIECE OF USEPPA ISLAND HISTORY RECOVERED

1970s era Useppa Island Club signage rescued and returned

For the second time in 40 years, early signage marking the rebirth of the Useppa Island Club has been recovered. In an interesting twist of fate, Michael Saunders Realtors collaborated to return the 1970s era signage announcing the renovation of the historic island, noted for the birth of Tarpon sport fishing in the early part of the 1900s when Baron Collier promoted Useppa as a tropical resort for the wealthy.

The signs had been originally mounted on pilings marking the entrance to the Useppa Island ship channel and announced the upcoming, and then subsequent, renovation of the historic island. Now, the island is home to the Club as well as 110 fortunate homeowners.

Realtor Chris Bayliss, of Michael Saunders Lakewood Ranch office, discovered the signs mounted to the walls of a cracker house on the outskirts of Arcadia. Owners of the property, which Chris successfully sold, recounted that the signs had been found in Charlotte Harbor by sailors following a tropical storm. Evidently ripped from their supports, the signs traveled some distance before coming to rest on a harbor shoreline.

Their first relocation was affixed to a fence outside the cruisers home on Siesta Key before eventually finding their way inland.

Unappreciated by the new owners as decorative wall art, Chris called fellow Michael Saunders Realtors and Useppa residents, Brian and Mary McColgan, “The Useppa People,” to recover the signs and return them to their rightful home. The artifacts were then whisked to the island to be offered to the Useppa Island Historical Society and Useppa Island Manager Donald Beckstead, son of the Useppa Island Club founder Garfield Beckstead.

Destined to be mounted prominently in the dockside Tarpon Bar, and a second location for all to enjoy, these battered boards reinforce the message of cooperation and passion that is the heart of the Florida Realtor community….as well as the communal spirit of Useppa Island.

About Useppa Island

Located just 3 miles south of Boca Grande Pass and a 15 minute boat ride to Florida’s mainland, Useppa has become known as “Paradise Without a Passport.” Midway between Naples and Sarasota, Useppa is the only bridgeless island with a Boating, Social and Fishing Club in the state. Beyond its storied history, Useppa remains dedicated to maintain the true "Old Florida" lifestyle. 

Distinguished by its metal-roofed "Old Florida" architecture, lush tropical foliage and a truly welcoming community, Useppa Island has become the destination of lovers, families, lucky guests and those seeking much more out of life with much fewer distractions.

Homeowners Reap Remodeling Benefits

Homeowners preparing to sell often make improvements, both big and small, to their homes that can help yield positive results and garner top dollar from buyers. According to a new report from the National Association of Realtors®, remodeling projects can also bring major benefits to homeowners who choose to remain in their homes.

"Realtors® know that certain home upgrades and remodels can be beneficial to get more buyer eyes on a property, potentially bring in more offers or gain more equity from a home," said NAR President Tom Salomone, broker-owner of Real Estate II Inc. in Coral Springs, Florida. "But remodeling projects are just as valuable to homeowners who simply want to get more joy out of their dwellings. Regardless of the situation, Realtors® know what remodeling projects bring the biggest bang for the buck and what projects are most likely to improve a homeowner's impression of their current place."

According to NAR's 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, which uncovers the reasons homeowners choose a remodel and the increased happiness certain projects bring once completed, 64 percent have experienced increased enjoyment in their home after completing a remodeling project. 

Additionally, 75 percent of respondents said they felt a major sense of accomplishment when thinking of their completed project. Fifty-four percent of respondents felt happy about the changes to their home, and 40 percent felt satisfied. As for their reasons to complete a remodeling project, 38 percent of homeowners said they wanted to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials; 17 percent wanted to add features and improve livability; and 13 percent believed it was time for a change.

Realtors® named kitchen upgrades, complete kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations and new wood flooring as the interior projects that most appeal to potential buyers. Similarly, Realtors® also ranked projects based on expected value at resale (without accounting for project price); the projects that ranked the highest in this category were complete kitchen renovations, kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations and the addition of a bathroom.

When looking at the interior projects that yield the biggest financial results upon resale, Realtors® ranked hardwood flooring refinishes (100 percent of project cost recovered upon resale), insulation upgrades (95 percent recovered), new wood flooring (91 percent recovered), and converting a basement to a living area (69 percent recovered) as projects to consider.

Exterior projects are also important for both sellers and homeowners looking to increase satisfaction with their current home. Realtors® said new roofing, new vinyl windows, new garage doors and new vinyl siding are most appealing to potential buyers and are highly valued upon resale (both considering project price and disregarding project price). Upon resale, Realtors® said new roofing would recover 105 percent of its project cost, a new garage door would recover 87 percent, new vinyl siding would recover 83 percent, and new vinyl windows would bring back 80 percent of their cost. As for exterior projects that bring the most happiness for those not necessarily intending to sell, homeowners said new fiber-cement siding, new fiberglass or steel front doors, new roofing, and new garage doors brought the most satisfaction.

The 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, the first of its kind from NAR that examines personal satisfaction from remodeling projects, surveyed Realtors®, consumers who have completed their own remodeling projects, and members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

"Remodeling projects can greatly improve both the value of and satisfaction with one's home, which are great things no matter the reason for a project," said Judy Mozen, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. "This report highlights the best projects to consider in either situation and showcases just how much of a difference a good and professional remodel can make in real numbers."

Salomone said the report not only assists homeowners who are preparing to sell in choosing the best projects to attract buyers, but it also helps those looking to get more personal satisfaction out of their homes. "Realtors® know that remodeling projects aren't just done to get more money for a home once it's time to sell - a home is your sanctuary, the place you raise your family and where you make lifelong memories, which is why the report can also help consumers decide which projects could enhance their current quality of life and happiness," he said.

National Association of Realtors® December 2015

Whew!! What a holiday!!

WHEW!!  What a busy Holiday on Useppa!!

In thinking back....IT WAS REALLY BUSY!!!  It started on the 23rd and didn't stop till January 2nd.

On the evening of the 23rd, about 30 people visited a dozen homes on our First Annual Christmas Tree Walk-About!!  No caroling but plenty of bell ringing, laughter and humor, which grew as we progressed along the Pink Path....as everyone had brought their own "Sippy Cup".

The 24th, Santa arrived by boat and was met by all the kids (both young and old) who rode to the beach on our Fire Truck.  After some gift giving, all proceeded to the Fire House for Cake and Ice Cream.....and a grand time was had by all the "kids!!"

That night, everyone went to the Collier to participate in the Wassail Bowl...an event that is from times of old.  The Staff made cookies and the very best, most "loaded" eggnog for us all, and then we all sang Christmas Carols, ending, as always, with The Twelve Days of Christmas...fully acted out.  Just imagine...."Ten Lord's a' leaping"

or

"Eight Maids a' milking"?!?!?

Christmas Morning is celebrated, privately, by most families. But, Christmas Dinner....look out.  The Collier Inn always has a wonderful spread and there are a number of dinner parties.  Families are there with large numbers and individual members entertain up to and over 20 neighbors and friends.

The days after were filled with

The Isaak Walton Kid's Fishing Tournament 

The First Annual Duathlon

 

The Annual Beach Croquet Tournament

The Annual POA Party, "The Pirates of Useppa"

And, of course, taking care of business at the

 Board of Governors Meeting and 

Property Owners Association Meetings.

All activities built up to an absolutely spectacular New Year's Eve with a very creative theme...Cirque du Isle, with fantastic food,  excellent service, entertainers walking through during dinner, rockin' dance music and a "Cirque" performance that was incredible.  All this was only surpassed by the spectacular fire works, right at the strike of midnight.... acknowledging the end of 2015 and celebrating the beginning of a new year....

with great spirit and style!! 

The New Year's Day Brunch, Happy Hour and a big bonfire on the beach ended the celebratory week in a very easy and relaxed way, enjoying family, friends and neighbors

...till the very last.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

               

                       

HERE'S TO YOU!!!

Let's get 2016 Off to a Great Start. Trust the professionals when it comes to Florida Waterfront Property and Real Estate on Useppa Island!