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.
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