by Karen Kauffman Summer on Useppa is extraordinary. Yes, it's warm and it rains every evening, but that also brings evening clouds that create extraordinary sunsets. If it's June, then it's also time for night blooming cereus. All year long strands of cactus slowly grow down the trunks of cabbage palms. During the month of June, long park red blossoms emerge. After dark, these burst open into glowing white blossoms nearly a foot wide. They … [Read more...]
BIG LIGHTS – BRIGHT KITCHENS – DRAMATIC OVERSIZED LIGHTING
BIG LIGHTS - BRIGHT KITCHENS: OVERSIZED LIGHTING CREATES DRAMATIC RESULTS Huge pendants, chandeliers and sconces have been one of the most talked about new trends in kitchen design for 2014. What kitchen couldn't use a little more light? Visually, large lighting fixtures may occupy less space in your kitchen. Plus, bold lighting creates a dynamic focal point and brings a very fresh, modern, and stylish appeal. Supersized Pendants How big is too big? The height of your ceilings and the … [Read more...]
Useppa Island Real Estate Market Report – Fall 2014
Useppa Island Real Estate Market Report - Fall 2014 Useppa Island real estate activity has been marked by unusual late summer closings, and early fall contracts. There was a late August closing of Grand View Cottage in the Village to a family from Iowa, and an October closing of North Point Cottage, to existing Useppa residents, who now have two Useppa homes; one for personal, and one for rental. So far, 2014 has seen four single family closings, three of them to Useppa residents, and one to … [Read more...]
Gubernatorial Candidates Split on Approach to Florida Property Insurance
With the upcoming election, candidates split on approach to Florida property insurance. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Oct. 9, 2014 – The cost of property insurance is a major issue to many Florida homeowners and Realtors. A hurricane hasn't hit the state in nearly nine years, but that hasn't dampened property insurance rates. The two candidates for governor facing a November election, Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Charlie Crist, approach the property insurance problem differently. The state has … [Read more...]
Croquet on Useppa Island: Play On!
Croquet took root, sprouted, evolved and exploded on Useppa Island over 30 years ago! In 1978, Bob Sumwalt, our “Father of Croquet” dedicated himself to teaching all that would come, to learn, play and love Croquet. And, we did!! Our first Nine-Wicket Tournament was in 1978, followed by the introduction of Six-Wicket in 1984, when we built “the perfect” Six-Wicket court overlooking Pine Island Sound. Women jumped in and competition really ramped up! In 1989, we had our first … [Read more...]
Will Boat for Food Blog Series: Miller’s Dockside
Miller's Dockside: Part 4 in the Boat for Food Blog Series- A Culinary Adventure around Useppa Island! We must be in a rut. Here we are again, heading north to Boca Grande for lunch. Plenty of fine places to visit south of here, but there is only so much time for boating and eating. We’ll get to the southern eateries soon enough. From Useppa, we go north up the ICW, across Charlotte Harbor. The Tarpon fleet is long gone, the fish scattered up into the harbor and the numerous canals in … [Read more...]
Where are Mortgage Rates Headed?
Where are Mortgage Rates Headed? The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to look at where rates are headed when deciding to buy now or wait until next year. According to a recent article in Kiplinger, 30 year mortgage rates are about to increase: “Now around 4.1%, rates will edge slowly toward 4.4% by the end of this year. Then they’ll follow the … [Read more...]
Will Boat for Food Blog Series: The Fishery Restaurant
The Fishery: Part 3 in the Boat for Food Blog Series- A Culinary Adventure around Useppa Island! We are motoring north again, in search of fresh fish for our get-away lunch. We cross Boca Grande pass and the fleet of boats working the fish inside of the pass. When you think of eating fish, however, it’s not tarpon but The Fishery Restaurant that comes to mind. Located immediately south of the old Boca Grande railroad bridge, this casual family restaurant is located adjacent to a real … [Read more...]
Will Boat for Food Blog Series: Barnacles Restaurant
Barnacles Restaurant: Part 2 in the Boat for Food Blog Series- A Culinary Adventure around Useppa Island! We turn our sights south for our next gastronomic exploration, to our neighboring island of Upper (or North) Captiva. Bridgeless like Useppa but having shores along the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound, Upper Captiva is home to 400+- beach houses, ranging from the bohemian to top shelf, all kind of mixed together. We can see this island and Captiva Pass, from the south and west shores … [Read more...]
Will Boat for Food Blog Series: The Pink Elephant
Will Boat for Food Blog Series: A Culinary Adventure around Useppa Island PART 1: The PINK ELEPHANT Because Useppa Island is a bridge-less island anchored by the Useppa Island Club, we frequently are asked if there is anywhere to dine besides the (wonderful) Collier Inn, the center of socializing and dining within the Club. After all, variety is important to all the senses. Since the island is home to boaters, naturally, we decided to discover just how many restaurants are accessible … [Read more...]