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, it was the slow season, the community was terrific and we can’t imagine our lives any other way. After years of living on Useppa, we continue to invite new and wonderful people to join this welcoming community. The entrance to Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island … [Read more...]
Useppa Island Living – A Daily Celebration
Useppa Island Living For an Island accessible only by air or water, Useppa is really very cultured. We have a comprehensive Historic Museum, a Book Club, Bridge Club, Yacht Club, Tennis Club, Croquet Club and Beach Church. We also have the Isaak Walton Club, Fitness Center and Bocce Ball. For the little ones that frequent the Island, there’s fishing, bike riding, swimming at the pool or the beach, a playground and lots of nature to explore. And, they grow up together; learn to drive … [Read more...]
Easter Sunrise on Useppa Island
A Glorious Day of Renewal by Karen Kauffman Easter Sunrise on Useppa Island As several hundred gather on the beach, we wait for the sun to rise upon this unique location. Neighbors and friends sharing a blessing for what has been and what is to come. We arrive from as near as Naples, Ft. Myers, Sarasota and Tampa. We make our way from Georgia, New Jersey, New York and New England, from across the Midwest and New Mexico, Montana, Washington, Canada and the United Kingdom. What we … [Read more...]
Concierge Services – Simplify Your Life
What does “Concierge Service” mean to you? The term “Concierge” is French, meaning “keeper of the keys.” History reveals “Concierge” first appeared in France in the Middle Ages. The Concierge was responsible for keeping the keys to royal households and ensuring that visiting guests had everything they needed and wanted. Have you ever said “I need to clone myself,” or “I need a wife” - even if you are a wife? Many feel there are simply not enough hours in the day. Consistently, families … [Read more...]
Useppa Island Butterfly Sanctuary
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 … [Read more...]
The Useppa Island – Casey Key Connection
The Useppa Island - Casey Key Connection Unknown to many residents of Southwest Florida, once upon a time the island of Guiseppe (now Useppa) was the site of Fort Casey, and temporary home to the US 7th Infantry Regiment. The post was named after Captain John C. Casey, a West Point graduate and veteran of the War with Mexico. The Infantry established their encampment on the high ground of Useppa, where 15 years earlier during the 2nd Seminole War, a wooden blockhouse had been built to … [Read more...]
Cruising The Southwest Florida Coast
By Douglas Bernon For a good attitude, change your latitude this winter. Charter a boat off the stunning southwest Florida coast. Among the many delights of cruising the shallow waters of Pine Island Sound in southwest Florida is that, even for powerboat beginners, it requires only straightforward eyeball navigation. As Captain Chris, who trained us in the operation of our beefy trawler, said, "Just follow the ICW markers. And remember, ‘Keep red right when returning to Texas.'" What, we … [Read more...]
Is This the Year to Move Up to Your Dream Home?
Buying a Dream Home - It appears that Americans are regaining faith in the U.S. economy. The following indexes have each shown a dramatic jump in consumer confidence in their latest surveys: The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index National Federation of Independent Businesses' Small Business Optimism Index CNBC All-America Economic Survey The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Survey It usually means good news for the housing market when the country sees an … [Read more...]
Owning a Second Home – Useppa Island
You’ve dreamed and planned for owning a second home. Imagine enjoying vacations whenever you want, entertaining family and friends and creating a home away from home. There are many, many, good reasons for owning a second home. Before you take that step, there are some considerations for your careful planning. First, many second home/vacation home owners take the steps to improve family time and take a break from their hectic daily schedules. Booking reservations and the overall cost for … [Read more...]
Rich Parking Money in Luxury Homes
Why Luxury Homes Generally speaking, buying an upscale property to use as a getaway has traditionally been viewed as a lifestyle investment. Stocks and bonds cannot give you the same satisfaction as a luxury home with a heated saltwater pool and waterfall, surrounded by ocean breezes. High-end residential buyers still want a good deal, as they always have, and, of course, a property that will eventually have capital appreciation, or will generate rental income, said Kathleen Peddicord, the … [Read more...]