Useppa Island Feature Gulfshore Life Magazine

Useppa Island Feature
Gulfshore Life - February 2016

Useppa Island - Still The Great Escape

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Just Listed - 318 Useppa Island

Just Listed - Kaos Kottage

Beautifully updated with 180 degree views, a light and bright kitchen, plenty of space for entertaining, fireplace, dock/lift, multiple decks, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2,392 sq. ft. and tremendous storage showcased by a serene tropical location.

Beautifully decorated, recessed lighting and custom appointments offered furnished. View Property Details

Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Open Kitchen with Breakfast Bar and Spacious Screened Lanai

The second level master suite features a gracious master bath and private deck.

Under building storage for water toys and extra entertaining space.

Brian and Mary McColgan Earn Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist Certification

USEPPA ISLAND, FLORIDA – Realtors Brian and Mary McColgan of Michael Saunders & Company have been awarded the Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) Certification. This nationally-recognized certification is awarded by the National Association of REALTORS® to real estate professionals who demonstrate expertise in the resort and second home specialty.

The McColgans are part of an elite group of 1,600 RSPS real estate professionals who specialize in buying, selling or managing second homes in a resort, recreational, and/or vacation destination and properties for investment, development or retirement.

Their real estate performance and focus on customer service have earned them recognition from Michael Saunders & Company as being among "The Best of the Best" for 2015, ranking in the top 15% of the company.

Brian and Mary are known as "The Useppa People" for their expertise in real estate properties on Useppa Island, an idyllic community accessible only by water or air, located off Florida's Gulf Coast between Sarasota and Naples.

Because of the unique sense of community on Useppa Island, Brian and Mary are not only “Realtors® in Residence” after 30 years of living on the Island, they are also neighbors, friends and community ambassadors!  Their love and passion for Useppa is personal. Buyers can trust their commitment and real estate knowledge when looking for their perfect piece of paradise.

Mary is affiliated with the Boca Grande office at 420 E. Railroad Avenue, Boca Grande, Florida 33921. She can be reached at (239) 848-6170.  Brian is affiliated with the Burnt Store location at 16480 Burnt Store Road, #101, Punta Gorda, Florida 33955. He can be reached at (239) 410-7850. Website: UseppaIslandHome.com. 

Michael Saunders & Co. is a leader in Southwest Florida real estate. The company’s strength emanates from its foundational philosophy of integrity and excellence. Celebrating 40 years of superior service and exceptional results, Michael Saunders & Company maintains offices in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and Lee counties.

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Florida Breaks Tourism Record for Fifth Consecutive Year

105 million people travel to Sunshine State in 2015, governor says 

Florida welcomed 105 million visitors last year, making 2015 the fifth consecutive year where tourism records were broken.

The new record exceeded the previous high of 98.5 million in 2014 by 6.6 percent, according to Visit Florida, the state's tourism promotion arm.

The total number of visitors to the Sunshine State last year exceeded the populations of most of the world's countries. It was about 3 million more people, for example, than inhabit the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the average number of direct travel-related jobs in 2015 also was a record high, with 1,199,200 Floridians employed in the tourism industry, up 4.7 percent compared with the same period last year.

“Tourism plays an important role in supporting our economy, and we will continue to make strategic investments in the tourism industry to keep Florida on track to becoming first for jobs,” said Gov. Rick Scott, who revealed the preliminary tourist count Thursday at Walt Disney World in Orlando. 

“With five consecutive record years for tourism, it is time to set our goal even higher, and I look forward to welcoming 115 million visitors to the Sunshine State this year.”

Visit Florida estimates that a record 89.8 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in 2015, reflecting an 8 percent increase from 2014. Estimates also show that 11.2 million overseas visitors and 4 million Canadians came to the Sunshine State last year. The number of people boarding planes at 18 Florida airports during 2015 increased 8.2 percent when compared with the previous year, representing a record 6.1 million more passengers than in 2014.

State Collaboration
Five years of record-setting visitation does not happen by accident, said Visit Florida CEO Will Seccombe, who credited the success to the agency's global marketing strategy that focused on maximizing the economic impact of Florida tourism.

The collaboration with destination marketing organizations and the money the state has continued to pump into Visit Florida has made all the difference, said Elliott Falcione, executive director for Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“You've got to thank the Legislature and the governor for believing in Visit Florida,” Falcione said. “It's now proven four years in a row that as the budget increases that visitation increase.”In pushing to continue the increases, Scott has asked lawmakers to set aside $79.3 million for Visit Florida in the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The funding would be an increase of $6 million from the current year. The House and Senate have each budgeted $80 million for Visit Florida. Of that money, the House has proposed that $1.8 million go to a contract with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to craft an in-state tourism campaign. 

The Senate has pitched $2 million for the marketing contract with the Tallahassee-based hospitality trade association.Tourism and recreation taxable sales for Florida as a whole increased every month year-over-year from January through November 2015, representing an 8.6 percent increase over the same period in 2014.

The state is aiming to bring in $100 billion in total tourism related spending by 2020.

2015 FLORIDA TOURISM BY THE NUMBERS

• Total 2015 Visitors: 105 million, up 6.6%
• Total Floridians employed in tourism: 1,199,200, up 4.7%
• Domestic visitors: 89.8 million, up 8%
• Overseas visitors: 11.2 million
• Canadian visitors: 4 million
• Number of people boarding planes at 18 Florida airports: 74.3 million, up 8.2%
• Taxable sales increase January to November 2015: 8.6%
• Average daily room rate increase: 5.9%
• Number of rooms sold increase: 4.5%
• Average room occupancy rate: 72 percent, up 3.2 percentage points

Source: Visit Florida

Herald Tribune February 18, 2016

Just Listed - 523 Useppa Island - Osprey Nest Cottage

Useppa Waterfront Oasis - Beautifully remodeled and decorated to perfection.

Stunning Upgrades and Breathtaking Views Await in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath Villa offering 1,553 square feet, and private boat slip, a stunning kitchen, soaring ceilings and tons of light offered furnished.

Property Details

Open updated kitchen with granite, stainless appliances and center island.

Hardwood floors, fireplace and screened lanai overlooking the water.

Happy Birding on Useppa Island

IS IT THAT TIME OF YEAR?!?!

We don’t know if it’s the season, the weather or our newly trimmed tree out back...but, the birds have been paying special attention to our spot on Rum Cove and providing lots of entertainment. 

There are two Osprey couples…both of which are trying to make a nest.  We will see all four swooping in and around but only one of each couple stays to challenge the other. 

If the tree is occupied (a female Anhinga as well as a couple of Ibis, also have designs on the mangrove) one will perch in a nearby palm, to watch….occasionally flying over to challenge.

And, the Osprey are getting very comfortable ON our deck...choosing to enjoy their latest catch, within our reach.  We have learned....they eat the eyes of a fish, first.

There are always other visitors.

Our favorite, though...with rare close sightings, is the White Pelican.  They've been gathering behind the house and in the general area for a week or so.  We hopped on the boat and followed them around, last week.

Only one "great" photo but....what a fun time.  

HAPPY BIRDING!!  They are everywhere! 



Boating for Food Blog - Captiva Island Yacht Club

What better way to beat the crowds flocking to every dining venue in SW Florida then to boat to your favorite private club? Although slightly longer boat trip than the 20-minute goal set for this boating and food blog. But hey! It is worth the few extra couple of minutes.

The vessel route is straightforward: take the ICW south to Marker 39 (Fl Green), then 200 degrees to Captiva Channel Light 2 (FL Red), then follow the markers into Roosevelt Channel.  Jensen’s Marina is the first commercial establishment along the channel, then Green Flash restaurant, and the Yacht Club, which is adjacent to Tween Waters Resort. Lots of fun and foodie opportunities along this short stretch of water!

Our first trip this year was for a wine and dine pairing, featuring California wines, The goal of these frequent dinners is to discover and experience good wines available for around $20. The club chef works the pairings with a cool couple from the club that enjoy the wine discovery process as much or more than consumption.

Needless to say the dinner was a sell-out and everything was just perfect. See the menu for the great pairings.

We made another journey last week, again with a group of 8 Useppa neighbors, for Steak and Lobster night. The staff prepared a terrific evening and the food was great! The Lockharts, our frequent diners and foodie photographers provide the following evidence.

  

Steak and Lobster

Although presently sporting a waiting list for membership, for any boaters in this vicinity it will be worth the wait. Not only can one enjoy this great venue that fronts the bayou and the Captiva Island beach, Captiva Island Yacht Club is a member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, providing reciprocal membership cruising and dining facilities throughout Southwest Florida.