New Neighbors on Useppa

Real Estate has been slow but things are still happening on Useppa!!

Casa de Leones - 124, previously owned by Bill and Gigi Mills, sold to existing Useppa Residents and newlyweds, Denny and Leslee Gilstad.  Congratulations to you both and welcome, Leslee!!  

Bella Vista - 306, previously owned by Ed and Mayra Soriero…who will be sorely missed as will their entire brood, literally, growing up on the Island.  We welcome Bruce Wendorf and Hillary Potter, living “The Wendorfal Life.”  They are from Fort Myers and come with (if I counted right) 5 kids between them and look forward to making great memories on Useppa.

Sand Castle -  515, previously owned by John and Joyce Ferry, who just weren't here enough, sold to George and Judit Mueller of Naples, who joined the club over three decades ago with their young family, and today are members as well.  All we can say is….”It's about time!!” 

Also, beware the Mueller’s on the Croquet Court as they are fierce competitors.  Welcome!!

We can expect our new neighbors to be in and out over the summer.  Don't be shy!  Track’em down to say hello….if they don't find you first.  We'll have a party to introduce them when the Useppa population “balloons up” again – if we can wait that long.

As was expected, The Rainy Season is here and the jungle doth grow!!

**The Club is hosting a big Father's Day Brunch on Sunday. Don't forget to show those great Dad's how much you know they love to eat!  

And, to those that are lucky enough to make it to the Island during the summer, call us!!  We need company!

Brian has almost finished his Q1 Real Estate Report – coming soon.

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.

HOLIDAY SPLENDOR - AREA EVENTS TO GET YOU IN THE SPIRIT!

A Christmas Story
Florida Repertory Theatre
2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers
December 1 – 20

Perfect for the whole family! A Christmas Story is a hilarious and touching coming-of-age story of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s! Audiences will follow 9-year-old Ralphie on his desperate quest for a genuine Red Ryder BB Gun despite everyone’s warning!  More info

Pine Island Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
December 12, 2015, 6:00 pm

The Pine Island Community Boat Parade in St. James City. There are many ways to enjoy the boat parade, including viewing from various restaurants, homes and other vantage points along the parade route. The parade route will remain the same and will include Monroe, Cherry Estates and Henley waterways.

Captiva Cruises Lighted Boat Parade
December 12th, 6:00 pm

More than 30 boats parade down Roosevelt Channel for this spectacular event. Visitors can choose to cruise in the parade with special passenger tickets or watch the parade from McCarthy’s Marina, ‘Tween Waters Inn, Jensen’s Marina or the Green Flash. More info

Happy Holidays! A Musical Celebration at BIG ARTS
Dec 18, 2015 – Dec 31, 2015

Featuring favorite standards that will take you through a musical winter wonderland, this fresh, spectacular holiday revue will cheer and excite the whole family! 7:30 shows: Dec. 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 29, 30 | Matinees: 4 pm on Sunday, Dec. 20 & 27 | Special Time! 7 pm on New Year’s Eve. More info

Winter Fest
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples
Dec. 19 – 20

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens will be delivering gifts to the animals. Zoo guests will watch big cats claw into beautifully wrapped presents while many other animals enjoy holiday-related delicacies. More info

Santa’s Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Dec 24, 2015

Where is Santa on his last day before flying out? We found him on a deserted island in the waters surrounding Sanibel! Bring the family and cruise out among the dolphins and then visit with Santa on Picnic Island. Free photos with Santa! Cruise departs at 10am and returns at 11:30am.  More info

Christmas Eve Sunset Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Dec 24, 2015

Join us for cookies & eggnog! Bring the whole family and celebrate Christmas Eve aboard the “Sun Princess”! Listening to tropical music, we will cruise the tranquil waters of San Carlos Bay for a relaxing journey during the most visually spectacular part of the day.

START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT!

Sundial New Year’s Eve Bash 2015
Bring in the New Year at our Family-Friendly Party Under the Stars! More info

New Year's Eve Celebration
Times Square, Fort Myers Beach
Noon – 5 p.m.,  Troublemakerz & 7-midnight, High Tide.

New Year’s Eve Celebration
Fishermen’s Village
1200 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda
5 p.m.

Come ring in the New Year at Fishermen’s Village! Family friendly festivities throughout the evening, beginning at 5 p.m. Live Music/Dancing,  Fun Photos Face Painting/LED Juggling Tarot Readings, Singer/Guitarist Michael Hirst. More info

Downtown Countdown
Fort Myers Downtown River District
8 p.m.

Food, fun, live music on multiple stages, fireworks, free admission, ball drop at midnight. More info

Out and About – Area Adventures

Looking for entertainment and adventure? Here’s some great options to help you discover hidden Florida gems, get a taste of history, watch sandcastle masters at work, take-in a show, or maybe a great area festival -- lots of activities, both day and night.

Discover Matlacha Island

Through Apr 03, 2016

Join Pure Florida on a journey to discover one of southwest Florida's hidden gems, the island of Matlacha! Guests will experience the simplicity of the Caloosahatchee River, the flare of world renowned artist, Leoma Lovegrove, and the uniqueness of the town's vibrant shops, galleries and restaurants. 

Guests begin on the Edison Explorer and cruise the Caloosahatchee River while enjoying the native wildlife with narration from our Captain, also a Master Naturalist. Once docked, guests depart on the Taste of Matlacha Island Walking Tour, guided by True Tours. The tour includes island history and a sampling of signature island delicacies. 

Upon the tour's conclusion, guests may enjoy lunch at their leisure and visit nearby shops and galleries and visit the famous Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens to send a "Coconut Postcard," tour the whimsical garden and meet Leoma Lovegrove! Dates: Nov. 21, 2015, Jan. 16, 2016, Feb. 6, 2016, Mar. 5, 2016 and Apr. 2, 2016. Time: 8am - 3:30pm.

http://www.purefl.com/

Welcome Aboard!

Nov 05, 2015 – Nov 12, 2015

Two trips already sold out, but still open are: Nov. 5th, Nov. 7th & Nov. 12th Don’t miss an opportunity to come sailing with Award-winning author & Maritime Historian, Robert N. Macomber. Learn about "Theodore Roosevelt: The Right Man At The Right Time.", aboard the lovely 47 ft. ketch, Alondra, while voyaging through many magical islands, along the SW FL coast. Be surprised by tales of Theodore Roosevelt's incredible accomplishments & life. You'll also see some of the islands he sailed through on his visit to this coast in search of a world record devilfish. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn history, gaze at unspoiled nature, and experience first-hand what it is like to sail through our tranquil paradise. That and so much more awaits! These popular, sell-out excursions only happen twice a year, so call today! (239) 233-3003

http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/event/?eid=58833

Brooklyn Boys Revue

Nov 06, 2015 - Nov 15, 2015

Our Brooklyn Boys Revue brings to life the rock and roll legends of the 50’s in a staged musical extravaganza that is packed with your favorite songs that will leave you calling for more as our guy groups take you with them to their favorite local diner to experience the great songs of the 50’s such as “Blue Moon”, “Goodnight Sweetheart” and many others. The story is inspired by the actual experience of a musician who is reminiscing about all the time he spent at the afterhours diner in Brooklyn, NY.

http://culturalparktheater.com/

http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/event/?eid=58911

See the entire season http://culturalparktheater.com/broadway-season

David Johnson at Parrot Key

Through December 2015

David Johnson of the Neville Brothers Fame can be seen and heard at Parrot Key every Friday Night! Come out and enjoy the beautiful scenery, great food, and maybe even some dancing. Come by boat!

http://www.myparrotkey.com/home

Cape Coral CoCoNut Festival

Nov 12, 2015 - Nov 15, 2015

The Cape Coral Coconut Festival will celebrate Cape Coral's 41st birthday and its reputation in the Lee County area for coconuts, multi-cultural food, boating, fishing, and wildlife. The festival will feature a live national musical act, gymnastic entertainment, carnival rides, tropical food, contests, coconut crafts, fireworks, and more. It kicks off Thursday night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and continues through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Cape Coral Coconut Festival is an annual celebration of Cape Coral's uniqueness to the Southwest Florida area. The event includes bands, entertainment, carnival rides, games, food, contests, fireworks, and much more!

Admission Price:  $7 per day

(Children under 5 years old are free)

Includes concerts, venue shows, and fireworks on Friday & Saturday.

All Day Carnival Wristbands: $25

Parking is FREE but limited so be sure to arrive early – especially on Friday and Saturday!

Event Hours:

Sneak Peek!

Thursday, November 12

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Friday, November 13 

5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Saturday, November 14 

12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Sunday, November 15 

12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

http://www.cocofest.com/

Ft. Myers Beach BACK BAY BASH

Nov 14, 2015 - Nov 15, 2015

The BACK BAY BASH is a family & adult entertainment festival being held at the BOOTLEGGER’S WATERFRONT BBQ @ SALTY SAM's MARINA hosted by the Florida Helps Foundation. We are raising funds to sustain and expand our PADLS Program (Persons with Autism or Disabilities Learn Swim) (2/3) and to support the Tabarrini Foundation’s Children’s Music Outreach and the Blue Crayonz Foundation (1/3).The BACK BAY BASH is a “Destination Festival” intended to attract not only local Lee and neighboring County patrons, but also attendees from the Miami and Tampa areas and hopefully across the State. Come by boat!             

http://www.flhelps.org/

29th Annual American Sandsculpting Championship and Beach Festival

Nov 20, 2015 - Nov 29, 2015

Come join us on Fort Myers Beach for the 29th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship and Beach Festival! This will be a fun-filled event that will include World Class Master Sand Sculptors, a State Championship contest, Amateur contest, Quick Sand Speed Sculpting, Sand Sculpting Demonstrations and Lessons, Chain Saw Art, Flying Colors, a kids activity area with bounce houses and slides, and more than 60 vendors. The event is scheduled for 10 days this year, the first week will be the Master Solos and Amateur divisions. The second week will be the Master Doubles and State Championship divisions. Awards ceremonies will be on Sunday the 22nd and also Sunday the 29th. In all over 1000 tons of sand will be piled and sculpted. If you would be interested to help as a volunteer at the American Sandsculpting Championship please contact Rhonda Murray at the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce at 239-454-7500  

http://fmbsandsculpting.com/

AWESOME IDEAS FOR A RAINY DAY ON USEPPA ISLAND!

Even when it’s wet and dreary outdoors, there’s plenty of activity and amusement available on Useppa Island. Our friendly community offers a game of pool or poker, a specialty drink at the bar or under a private deck.


A rainy day on Useppa is better than any day at the Office.


YOU MAY WANT TO…

Play Scrabble with near-champion players who are always ready for a challenge.

Play a game of Pool at the Tarpon Inn or better yet, find the people that have their own pool table…and make new friends.

Play cards with the Bridge Club.

Start up a poker game.

Sit at the Marina, under cover …or on your back deck and watch the storm go by.

Visit the Collier Inn…always someone there to share stories with.  And, get one of Roxie’s famous Island Drinks…or two or three.  Yum!!

Take a walk in the rain…with your kids, sweetie or dog and watch the birds come in for those fresh water puddles.

Visit the Groto….it takes on a different personality in the rain.  Kinda spooky…

Visit a friend…have a drink and start a rumor…just to see how it comes back in 24 hours.

Take a NAP!!

Read a book.  Lots of great ones in our Lending Library, housed in the Pro Shop.



Visit “John’s  Basement”…or “Charlie’s under-deck” where there is most always some rum to share. (Guys only)

AND WHEN THE STORM HAS PASSED…JUST LOOK FOR THE RAINBOW.

Life on Useppa Island - The Video

Take a look at our most recent creation.

PATRIOTIC USEPPA!!

       USEPPAN'S ARE PATRIOTIC SOULS!!
                           And show it!

On the front of their homes...

 
                            And, on the back

  

      Sides of their homes, too.  Right side...

 

                  .....and left side

Right side up...

...or not! But always starts to the left!

If there is a place to show the Flag

They will!!! 

....decorate anything they can!! 

Plant it??

Wear it??!?

Celebrate it!!

PARADE IT!!!!

And, not only when or where..

                         ....you might expect!

PROUD TO BE AMERICANS!!!

Upcoming Celebrations on Useppa Island

There's always great activity and recreation on Useppa.  Here's what's coming soon.

Useppa Island News

Useppa Island Property Owners Association - Make sure you mark your calendars for December 27th. Members and guests only.

Lazy Flamingo: Part 5 in the Boat for Food Blog Series - A Culinary Adventure around Useppa Island!

Once again we set out in search of some good food for lunch. We don’t go north or south this time, but turn east to Bokeelia and Pine Island. Lazy Flamingo is located within the Four Winds Marina complex, at the head of Jug Creek, home port for most Useppans. Leaving our dock we head south then do a hairpin turn around the south end of Useppa and head north into the center of Pine Island Sound.

Small fishing boats dot the landscape, casting for sea trout and redfish in the grass flats. Views north open up to Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor, while Captiva Pass is visible just 3 miles to the south.  We pass the outer buoy of the Pineland Channel then veer to the northeast and head directly for Little Bokeelia Bay. This is the short cut that merges into the center of Jug Creek, and saves a mile of travel. Although impassable at extreme low tides there is plenty of water in a channel marked by private aids, but it is still a local knowledge route. 

We pass Little Bokeelia Island, with its gorgeous Spanish home, and high ground overlooking Boca Grande Pass. You can buy this paradise for just $24.5 million, and have 29 lots to sell to your best friends. The remnants of a Calusa temple mound appear on the left as you make the final turn into Jug Creek. In a couple more minutes you are docked in front of the Lazy Flamingo, 13 minutes from our dock.

A casual place for lunch or dinner, the Lazy is a local chain known for its fresh fish offerings, usually Mahi but frequently Grouper and sometimes a surprising and yummy Triple Tail. You can get it grilled, blackened or fried. Fresh oysters and scallops are usually available also. Naturally there are burgers and fries, steak sandwiches and always fresh salads-nice and crispy.

Mary departs from her usual lunch salad and goes for the grilled Mahi sandwich basket-but avoids devouring the fries. I had a giant, perfectly done blue cheeseburger basket with all the toppings-lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles-and ate every damn fry in the basket. This lunch just demanded an ice cold beer, so I gave in to the temptation and had two-they are small.

This experience was typical. Friendly and attentive wait staff, good but not fancy food, hot from the kitchen, and ice cold beer. It is hard to walk past the Lazy and not feel some hunger pangs-so go in and fix them!