More to Enjoy - Amenities on Useppa Island

Just in time for all to enjoy, beautifully resurfaced Pool Deck and Patio at the Collier Inn, along with a casual bar for lounging on the dock.

And, in case you were wondering...the Weather is Fantastic! 

Big Water Views - 320 Useppa Island

Big Water Views - This is What Dreams are Made of

4 Bedroom  3.5 Bath  Over 4,000 SF  $2.1M
High on a ridge, spectacular 270 degree views, open living design on the main floor that is extended outside with large lanai and a 2-bedroom guest suite/private deck at ground level. For the boater, there is an industrial strength dock with a lift for up to a 50’ watercraft…beautiful design and performance. Property Details

Adjacent Lot Now Available - 319 Useppa Island $350,000

Property Details

We are pleased to announce that we have joined the elite team at Premier Sotheby's International Realty - Captiva.

The Brokerage that speaks "Luxury," we are excited about our new relationship.

Find Your Secret Hideaway on Useppa Island

Do you remember when you were a child, with your own secret hideaway? It was that place where you always felt safe, calm, warm and protected. A place where you could dream and imagine….anything! Under a blanket as a fort, in a closet, behind a chair, beneath, or up in a tree; wherever that place was, it was your “secret escape.” 

Now, you’re grown and you haven’t thought about that childhood secret place for a very long time. It still may be your secret. 

Busy with life, work, children and responsibilities of all kinds, you need a secret place; a great escape – now more than ever.
Maybe you’ve thought about a quiet retreat on the beach, with warm sunshine, soft breezes and swaying palms. But where do you find a place to relax when all the beaches are jammed with traffic, high rises and crowds? 

Useppa Island is that place; the hideaway, getaway, dream place that time forgot. That place where you, family and  friends, can Relax and Imagine in tropical tranquility.
Truly timeless, Useppa is a snapshot-in-time that will not change. There is no room for change. This tiny jewel has no available land for strip malls, condos or fast food joints.

Already devoid of automobiles, there’s only the quiet padding of feet on pathways, a beach bike slowly cranking, the soft whine of a golf cart, the melodic sounds of nature and laughter.

Useppa Island is that secret escape where you can relax and reconnect with yourself and your family; a hideaway that makes for stronger relationships and lasting memories.
Accessible only by air, or water, this private island has no crowds, no cars and no high rises. There are no stop signs…only Turtle Crossings.

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

What and Where is Useppa Island...And Who Lives There?

We wondered about that when we saw Useppa Island featured in Islands Magazine in 1985, while staying at a friend’s house on Sanibel. Although we never met any neighbors before we bought our Useppa home, the community was terrific and we can’t imagine our lives any other way.

After years of living on Useppa, Mary and I continue to invite new and wonderful people to join this welcoming community.

The entrance to Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound is the focal point for boaters and vacationers seeking protected cruising and fishing grounds, as well as Florida vacation home opportunities second to none. If you had a Useppa Island Home, you would be 3 miles south of Boca Grande Pass and 15 minutes from Captiva or Boca Grande with a 22-foot runabout. 

What sets Useppa apart is the lack of a bridge, cars and traffic, with coveted privacy, island amenities and a private club. If you can drive a boat, take the club launch or hire a water taxi, no bridge -- no problem. In fact, you can make your way to major grocery and drug stores more quickly from Useppa than you can from other areas burdened by 2-lane roads, tourists and seasonal residents.  

On this 100+ acre sparkling jewel, the Useppa Island Club includes great amenities and recreation, except for golf, as our land is limited. Much has been written about the Club, the island and its history, but not much describes the physical reality of living here.

Like most places, Useppa is what our residents make it. Seeking a calm respite and weekend escape, 49% of residents are Floridians. A small percentage of residents are from other countries, while 30 percent hail from the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states. They represent a broad age range that is continually trending lower as multiple generations love living private island life.

Well, Guess Where We Just Went?

The 32nd Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show
 

Held March 23-26, 2017, this is one of the top five boat shows in the country - featuring more than $1.2 billion worth of boats, yachts and accessories from the world's leading marine manufacturers. It is truly an International Show. The event includes hundreds of boats from 8-foot inflatables, power boats, fishing boats, center consoles, bow riders and personal watercraft, to super yachts over 150 feet. The finest pre-owned yachts, tents full of the latest electronics and accessories, seminars and kid's fishing clinics, exotic cars, live music and fun for all.

On Day Two – the show promoters announced the sale of two boats over 200 foot.
 

We were in the VIP Pavilion. This is a literal glass building, half the size of a football field.  There was a marble bar in the center, scattered bistro tables for 3-4 around the bar, constant music, and along the sides of the room were 8' X 10' seating areas offering groups of leather couches, love seats, burled wood and glass tables, populated by service vendors specializing in luxury living, as much as boating.  

Our neighbors were providers of personal jet services/sales, the largest global marina management firm, delivery services for yachts over 200 feet, a ship designer, exotic car broker, a console (looked like space ship) designer/manufacturer, an entertainment and events concierge service and a specialty floral design company serving jet and boat owners.

The Pavilion was the designated "get away from the crowd/heat/wind and make a deal" spot, so designed for the benefit of the yacht vendors and their VIP customers.  The traffic flow was everything from huge yacht owners, to boat reps., and everything in between.  The Press was a big part of the crowd --newspapers, boating magazines, travel magazines and trade (mechanical) magazines, as well as the Save the World's Oceans crowd. 

 

We attracted people from all of those populations, and they all had the same question. "Where is this place?" Most thought it was some exotic location in the Islands.  People were intrigued, then inquisitive, then wanted to know details.  They wanted to know how big a boat could come to our marina. Was the Island truly private and quiet?  Was it like Ocean Reef (high dollar and crowded) in the Keys?  And, people were shocked by how reasonable the cost of Useppa homes, fees, access, etc.

One woman was disappointed she couldn't get her 200+ foot yacht in, but was glad she could bring her 74-foot cruiser.  Another wanted to reserve a slip for November; wanted the name of the dock master, NOW!  Another, an owner of a Chicago plumbing company could not wait to bring over every friend he'd made at the show to reveal his new "find" as a destination, promising five Useppa visitors next season.  Another woman -- who had, long ago, been in this area, texted us on the way home, saying our information ''spoke to her.”  She and her husband were here this past weekend, and will be back in four weeks. 

Dozens of people gave us their email and asked for additional information.  Several were ‘’big league’’ fishermen and wanted the details of what was running and when.  Several had been to Useppa, tried to dock and were told they had to be members or invited/sponsored by a member in order to disembark. To those people, we have extended warm invitations.

If was a fun and exciting four days and we couldn’t have been more pleased to represent the incredible lifestyle of Useppa Island. Just to see their expressions when we proudly proclaimed we were in Florida, NOT the Islands...priceless!

Useppa Island Butterfly Garden - A Sanctuary for All

by Karen Kauffman

The Useppa Island Butterfly Society began several years ago, when the island donated a sandy and unbuildable 1/3 acre to the care of volunteer islanders for a butterfly sanctuary. Six years later, we see significantly more and varied butterflies fluttering in the warm sun. We find eggs the size of pencil points, as well as understand why leaves disappear overnight as caterpillars munch through them. These are all signs that the butterflies approve of our efforts!

 Butterflies alight on almost any flower for nectar. However, each butterfly species selects a very specific host plant for laying its eggs, and can detect them from as far as five miles away. This is the same plant these butterflies-turned-caterpillars will use for food.

So, what began as simply planting pretty flowers, has turned into spread sheets to cross reference nectar versus host plants, in the correct proportion, to successfully attract less migratory butterflies, while attracting more that will happily reside with us for generations.

 Of the many butterflies, we have our favorites. Black and yellow Swallowtails search out Dutchman’s Pipevine (which can grow over a foot a day) as visiting butterflies lay clusters of yellow eggs. When hatched, these larva/caterpillars quickly devour the vine’s dense foliage that has hidden them so well.

 Orange Gulf Fritillary’s tiny tan eggs are found on the underside of Lady Margaret Passion Vine. The “hatched” orange caterpillars then travel in packs, voraciously eating the vine before curling up into a chrysalis from which a beautiful butterfly will emerge.


The most rewarding aspect of caring for the garden is sharing it with visitors of all ages. The Butterfly Garden encapsulates what life on Useppa is about. Creating a place of beauty, wonder, refuge and learning, while relaxing and sharing a space with family, friends and those who wander the island. All are welcome here!  Discover Useppa Island

Useppa Island Feature Gulfshore Life Magazine

Useppa Island Feature
Gulfshore Life - February 2016

Useppa Island - Still The Great Escape

Click the image to view the article

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 - 304 Useppa Island/Gaspar Island Cottage

Now this is Private Island Living. On a small attached island, connected by a private causeway, enjoy 360 degree views, a protected cove with a private dock, 2 slips/lift and absolute privacy. Offered Beautifully Furnished, this island escape includes a flowing open plan, gleaming hardwood flooring and exceptional appointments throughout.

Gracious living spaces include 3 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half-baths, 3,280 sq. ft., soaring ceilings and impressive windows. Property Details

Amazing Master Retreat with sitting room, fireplace, private deck and stunning views of water and sky.

Great entertaining space, expansive screened porch, inviting kitchen with granite and so much more.

Don't Miss This One - Just Listed - 137A Useppa Island

The perfect Island Cottage offered Furnished. Enjoy great living spaces indoors and out, with a magnificent deck, gleaming hardwood flooring, fireplace and beautifully updated kitchen/baths.

Featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1,700 sq. ft., showcased by a lush tropical location, this tranquil Villa is the Perfect Island Escape. Property Details

Just Listed - 323 Useppa Island/Mangoes Cottage

Enjoy stunning views from multiple terraces in this spacious two-story waterfront escape, privately tucked away on a wooded lot.  The open floor plan provides inviting entertaining space indoors and out, gleaming hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, walls of windows and a wood-burning fireplace.

Offering 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and 3,323 sq. ft. Property Details

Open kitchen with stainless appliances, den and light-filled office, storage/work room and a deeded boat slip on a private dock. Breathtaking views southwest across Pine Island Sound to Sanibel and out toward Captiva Pass and the Gulf, with open terraces and a screened porch.

Get Ready for the Holidays on Useppa

December 23
Christmas Tree Walk-About

For a tour of festive homes and decorations on Useppa.
Wear your walking shoes.

6:00 – Chapin’s
  

December 30
Annual Beach Croquet Tournament

This highly anticipated annual event starts at 8:30 am.
Gather at the beach near the Patio. Coffee, tea, pastries and snacks served.

Lunch 12:30
Playoff 2/3:00 pm

December 31
New Year’s Eve Celebration

Ring in 2016 at Carnivale

The evening includes performers, dinner, after party with a D.J. and fireworks at midnight.

6:00 pm

Useppa Island Celebrates Independence Day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, USA!!!

And, what better place to celebrate than Useppa Island?!?!  And, what an absolutely gorgeous day it was!  12 knot breezes, balmy-to-hot but, in the right spots.....pure heaven!
                            
Useppa Island residents were in full spirit and had flags proudly displayed all over  the island!

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Tables were decorated....

And....so were the people!!

The entertainment was fantastic!! "Clive Live" and his electronic accompaniment  was, unbelievably, Sydney Houston, one minute and Satchmo, the next!                  

Kids were everywhere, the pool was jammed...                        

.....and every one was jamming!  

A super day!  A great party!  Music, laughter, hamburgers and hot dogs, friends and family.
And, flags flying everywhere.  It made us all appreciate just how lucky we are...to be here and to share our good fortune and celebrate
INDEPENDENCE DAY! 

It was quintessential Useppa! Plan on joining us next year.  We missed you!