LIVING ON A SANDBAR OF HISTORY

The preservation of human history and the environment that shaped it is a fascination to most people. Proof of that is found in the dedication of many volunteers and a few professionals to building and maintaining museums, even for the smallest of communities. Useppa is certainly one of the smallest, with our 100 acre, 1 ¼ mile long island occupied by just 115 homes, a club, and the Barbara Sumwalt Museum of the Useppa Island Historical Society.

Created by passionate residents and a supportive island management, the museum harbors 10,000 years of history. Open the door and enter a panoply of those years, from a dusty hill with a fresh water spring, miles from the Gulf of Mexico, to the founding of the modern day, water wrapped community in Pine Island Sound. Through the intervening millennia’s, Useppa was home to ancient animals and peoples, Calusa, Old World explorers, Cubans, Seminole, tax collectors, US infantry and Navy forces, CIA, real estate developers, fishing fanatics, benefactors and rogues.

History is a bonding compound for people of the present, and Useppa is no exception. Our museum is a gathering place: to celebrate, experience, learn and share. Every season we are treated to several up close and personal experiences, with authors, photographers, entertainers and artists.

Just a sample of recent events are authors Craig Pittman “Oh, Florida!”; Maritime author Robert Macomber, “The Honor Series,” Doc Anna, Swamp Doctor; “The Florida Grand Canyon,” a photo exhibit “Everglades: America’s Wetland,” with conservation photographer Mac Stone, co-sponsored with The Everglades Foundation.

Our Historical Society is able to bring the broad range of art forms to the residents and members of Useppa Island due to the efforts of director Rona Stage. She networks with similar small museum directors and taps the best venues from the artistry of the Florida Humanities Council. Never will you find so much to offer, in such a small and personal place. 

Except on Useppa Island.

Southwest Florida national housing news continues to report the rapidly escalating prices of waterfront homes. The Useppa People have the wise alternative offering tremendous waterfront value. 

Priced from $529,000, our private island inventory offers fee simple Townhouse style attached Villas that offer the best value for waterfront living. Boasting BIG views across Pine Island Sound, the ICW or Charlotte Harbor, with free dockage for boats to 24 feet. Here, you’re not on a canal or back bay mangrove.

Homes on Useppa Island
Useppa Island homes sparkle in the sun with architectural covenants that require Old Florida design, creating a metal-roofed village with style and charm. Features vary from home to home, but you’ll find extensive updates and renovations. Hardwood, travertine, granite, stainless, impact glass, storm shutters and other features of new homes are largely available. Three bedrooms are typical for the larger homes, while smaller homes feature 2 bedrooms. Soaring ceilings, custom cabinetry, chiseled stone and other fine features are unique to many, while most are furnished and ready for immediate occupancy

Access to every home is a pure delight. Meander walking or cart paths, the historic Pink Promenade that extends the length of Useppa, or from your dock. There are no cars and no stop lights, just turtle crossings. While air traffic is limited to the feathered kind, there is the occasional sea plane or helicopter.

Island Amenities
Enjoy the island amenities of the Useppa Island Club. Fine dining, tennis, bocce, pool and croquet are common pursuits, while water sports are a favorite. Choose sailing with the Useppa Yacht Club in your 15-foot Sandpiper, fish the flats offshore, or right from your dock. Zip to mainland services in a 15-minute boat ride, and experience zero encounters with stressful traffic.

Your Neighbors

Best of all, settle in to a welcoming community where you will know your neighbors; where your children or grandchildren will grow up with the other lucky kids that know the wonder and freedom of this unique and beautiful island. There is nothing that compares.

Make your escape to Useppa Island.
Paradise Without A Passport!