Now is the Time to Prepare for Hurricane Season

The official Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30, and while many experts predict the 2014 season to be a tad quieter than normal, it’s always best to be prepared.

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. With wind speeds of 111 miles per hour or more, Category 3, 4, and 5 hurricanes are major according to this scale. Category 1 and 2 hurricanes can also cause damage and injuries. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, with the peak season from mid-August to late October. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends November 30. In advance of these powerful storms, be prepared to evacuate when ordered to do so, strengthen your home’s outer shell, elevate electrical panels and utilities and waterproof lower levels.

Prior to any potential disaster, it is important to create an emergency plan for your family and pets, identify locations of special need shelters and prepare an emergency supply kit with first aid, healthy meals and water.

An emergency supply kit should include healthy, nonperishable foods and supplies that meet a family's and pet's health and medical needs. Other items to include in an emergency supply kit:

Water - at least one gallon per person, per day, for a minimum of three days

Healthy foods like canned vegetables, fruits and nuts. Store at least a three-day supply of foods that require no    refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water

Battery-powered radio

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit

Manual can opener

Cell phone with chargers -- inverter or solar

Medications: Under a federally declared emergency, residents can get an extra 30-day prescription supply with no price increase, even for recently filled prescriptions. Talk with a health care provider and pharmacist about emergency medication supplies.

For more Hurricane Preparedness information visit http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes  or download the FEMA Hurricane Guide here. 

The Useppa People: Giving Back to the Community & Welcoming New Neighbors

Giving Back to the Community

In keeping with the commitment made when we became Realtors, selling and helping to buy Useppa real estate, the time has come to live up to that commitment:  to donate 5% of our gross commissions to Useppa charities, 501c3's, of which there are two…the Useppa Volunteer FireCompany and the Useppa Island Historical Society.  Though we haven’t gotten a real check yet, we have closed two deals in a little more than two weeks and are excited to live up to our pledge.  And, we look forward to our third closing…and to writing another check. 

Thanks to all that have supported these entities…we are so lucky to be here!! And to have these fine organizations make our time here                     safe, enjoyable and an ongoing learning experience.

ADDITIONALLY, MEET THE NEW FACES OF USEPPA: 

Dave Thomas and Julie Lachman (from Dunedin, Florida) closed this week on Karma Cottage, the former home of Mike Albert and Karen Connery. Located at 130A Useppa Island, this 3-story attached villa overlooks the intercostal waterway and marina to the west and Pine Island Sound to the east. Dave & Julie are long-time social members of Useppa Island Club, but this is their first home on the Island.

Dave Thomas & Julie Lachman - the new owners of 130A Useppa Island

Mike and Karen Albert, the owners of Karma Cottage since 1981, are moving just a few doors north on the Pink Path to a home they have had under renovation since early last summer.

This good news comes just weeks after we announced the sale of 513 Useppa Island to Mike and Rosa Cupello, from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.  They closed on Music! Music! Music! Cottage, 513 in The Village mid-May.  They, along with their three children, look forward to spending their time on the island boating, sailing, playing tennis and exploring all the activities the community has to offer.  

The Cupello Family

WELCOME TO OUR USEPPA COMMUNITY!!

Tarpon Time at Useppa Island: Fishing for the Great Silver King!

With a typical 80-day season, producing an average 5,000 tarpon landed, it's no secret that the world's best tarpon fishing happens around Useppa Island. 

Believed to be the birthplace of tarpon fishing, Useppa and the surrounding areas of Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island and Cayo Costa come alive between April, May and June. Anglers from all of the world come to Southwest Florida to try their hand at landing these majestic creatures. 
  

Photo Credit: http://www.sanibelcaptivafishing.net/

Tarpon fishing is a catch-and-release only fishery. And with great stamina and power, these fish are explosive and acrobatic fighters that have made their name as one of Florida’s most challenging and exciting nearshore sportfish! 

Photo: Eric Strachan

  
If you want to know more about the season and rules of Tarpon fishing? Check out the latest from Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) here. 

Looking to try your luck at landing a Tarpon? Here are a few fishing charters we recommend in the Southwest Florida area:

Hoke Fishing Charters: Captain Dave Hoke

• Offering 1/2, 3/4 and full day fishing charters. Bring the kids and join this native guide for a memorable fishing excursion battling tarpon, redfish, snook, trout, sharks and more! Also available for private shelling, dinner and sunset cruises.

Falling Tide Charters: Captain Cory McGuire

• Light Tackle Back Country Fishing for Snook, Redfish, Trout, as well as Tarpon fishing the world famous Boca Grande Pass. Half, 3/4 and Full Day Trips Available. Customized family trips, Fishing Tournaments and Night Fishing Trips. 

Old School Charters: Captain Bryan Dollar

• Specializes in full day and half day charter fishing along the inland waters of the Boca Grande and local waters of Pine Island sound for inshort and near shore light tackle fishing. 

Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend at Useppa Island

AAA is predicting more than 36 million Americans to travel for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, and we couldn't think of a better way to avoid the traffic and chaos than to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Useppa Island. 

Photo of Collier Inn, courtesy of The News-Press 

The  Useppa Island Club does a great job of celebrating the holiday weekend and has the below events planned for the entire family. On Saturday, kids won’t want to miss the Isaak Walton kids fishing tournament. A longstanding tradition sure to bring smiles to all involved. 

But don't worry, those looking for something a little less structured, kayaking, boating and a hammock are always waiting for anyone to use. 

No matter what you do, remember to take a few minutes and honor those that serve or served in our Armed Forces and appreciate everything and everyone around you.

From our family to yours, have a great and safe Memorial Day weekend!

Photo Credit: Katie's Bliss Blog 

An Always Exciting April on Useppa Island

Easter was soooo late, this year!

Which gave us all that much more time to play!!  And, April has been BUSY!!

It started with the party sponsored by the Useppa Historical Society to celebrate the Barbara Sumwalt Museum's 20th Birthday.

It was very festive!!  Live music!  Dogs, Brats and Beer! 

 Dancing! Decorations!  Hats!  Speeches! 

And lots of recognition for those that played a key role in making the Museum what it is today.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

SPRING CROQUET

Spring Croquet...this year's tournament was planned to bring out the novices as well as dedicated players.  Golf Croquet on day one, then 9-Wicket Croquet...the backyard croquet that everyone has played in their youth.

SUCCESS!!  A great turnout with well-matched teams ...experienced players partnered with new players to balance the competition, to allow everyone a chance at a win and to create a fun learning situation for the inexperienced.

Our favorite Croquet Pro, Bob Kroeger came to help with the

Tournament and to give lessons on both shot making and strategy.  

See you on the court???

Then....Easter Weekend!

It all started with Egg Coloring at the Tarpon

Followed by the Annual Easter Fishing Tournament for Kids.  And, what a day!  Lots of Fish!!  Lots of Smiles!  Lots of Fun!  And, Lots of Trophies!!

The Wee Ones Had a Great Time!!

Krissie Gear

Lilly Gear

Gabby Gear

The Gear Girls walked away with the big wins!!

EASTER MORNING!!

Useppa residents, once again, came together to create another Sunrise Service on the Beach...this year, featuring the children of Useppa.

That morning, for the first time in decades, it rained...a cool misting rain that dampened us all, but did not dampen the spirit of the occasion or the attendance.

We sang hymns, offered Communion and Passed the Peace.

As Useppa's youth gathered at the front of the assembled group to lead The Lord's Prayer, the sun rose and broke through the clouds...and the rain stopped.

 A wonderfully special Easter Service!

TIME FOR THE EASTER EGG HUNT!

As with the Fishing Tournament, Lots of Eggs, Lots of Smiles, Lots of Squeals of Delight!

It was "Finders-Keepers" and not one child was disappointed.

Families went home to have their own Easter Egg Hunts...to celebrate Easter with other families and/or went to the Collier Inn for an unbelievably great Easter Brunch!

One thing is guaranteed....none of us will escape April without carrying some of it on our hips, thighs or tummy!!

Holidays are something very special on Useppa.  Many families have been celebrating this time, together, for decades.  Friendships that last for an eternity are made and renewed over Easter and Christmas.  Children grow up together....families evolve together and lifetime bonds are made.  

"Useppa Time" is always a memorable time.

Coastal Beauty of 304 Useppa Island Featured in Luxury Home Gallery: DuPont Registry

DuPont Registry is featuring 304 Useppa Island on their homepage.

duPont REGISTRY is the intermediary between luxury home sellers and buyers. Our classifieds include luxury homes and real estate, island property, mansions, ranches, estates, waterfront, and mountain property and more.

Useppa Island, Florida

360 Degree Views - Captivating Useppa Island Location

304 Useppa Island
33924
$3,000,000

Situated on an attached island appendage to Useppa with 360 degree views and a protected cove with docks and a lift is a home designed in the "old Florida" coastal vernacular, nearly 3300 SF. With architectural details that enrich and enlighten the sensory experience, a flowing indoor to outdoor floor plan creates a dialogue between shelter and the complicity of sky, land and water.

View DuPont Registry

Regatta Poker Run: It's Sailing Season on Useppa Island

It's a Poker Run!!!

It started on Useppa's Beach.  The first card of five was given to each of the 28 boats that sailed, taking along all those observers of earlier races....for a picnic on Cayo Costa.

We all take off for the south end of the Island where we pick up our second card.

It's Brian and I in the lead....only because Brian jumped in and got the first card and we were first off the beach.  Our passenger, Laura, our Fire Fighter/EMT joined for the ride.....

...being her usual "ham bone", cut up!!

From the south end of the Island, we head up Pine Island Sound to an offshoot of Cayo Costa, a couple hundred-yard long spit of sand, for a picnic.

Boats are lined up...food is broken out and discussions about who did what to whom, break out.

Did we mention....Useppans are dog LOVERS!!

Out of beer, sandwiches and chips, we pick up our third card and it's into the water and on to the south end of Punta Blanca to pick up our fourth card.

We watch the boat in front of us get theirs, then....

We almost miss!!  It's a good thing Jay has 6'5" legs and another 3 feet of arms.

 Everyone wades in after securing their boats for the next day's races and picks up our last Poker card.  However, we have to wait for the next night to see who Won the Run!

Boats put to bed.....

And, as the day subsides, we realize we have made some great memories ....and look forward to the many more yet to come.