The wind whips through your hair as a ferry zips through the mangroves that line Pine Island Sound. In the distance, a small island appears on the horizon. It’s a place where cars are forbidden, where croquet is king and where, each morning, children are instructed to be home by sundown. Welcome to Useppa Island. Once frequented by pirates and captains of industry, Useppa Island has long been a place for people looking for respite from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. But as the … [Read more...]
The Quiet Side of Florida – Discover Useppa Island
Discover Useppa Island - Southwest Florida's Paradise Coast provides a stark contrast to the I-95 corridor and high rise beach development of some of the more populated areas of Florida's east coast. Just imagine, 25-miles of pristine barrier islands, from Sanibel north to Boca Grande, with a 3-story height limit, and an ecosystem largely preserved as it was 100 years ago. Now, imagine forever views of sea, sky and foliage, to the north and south along Pine Island Sound. A protected area … [Read more...]
The Perfect Nature of Useppa
Have you ever wanted to live in the pristine heart of nature? Then Useppa Island should be your home. Located in the north sector of Pine Island Sound, 3 miles south of Boca Grand Pass, the Sound is a designated Aquatic Preserve. Florida’s highest ranking, it is one of six aquatic preserves that make up the Charlotte Harbor complex of preserves. The Gasparilla Sound-Charlotte Harbor Preserve is located just north of Useppa and extends easterly to Burnt Store and Punta Gorda. Wildlife Pine … [Read more...]
Quick Transformations With Paint for These Small Spaces
All it takes is a little paint. By adding paint in strategic places around the home, you can easily and inexpensively transform a space. Plus, there is a good chance you could accomplish at least one of these painting projects during the course of one weekend. Here are seven locations to consider painting and tricks for making even the smallest spaces provide big impact. 1. Entryway. When a guest arrives, their first impression is based on your home’s exterior and the front door. The very … [Read more...]
Stay Safe Before and After the Storm
When hurricanes strike land, they can wreak havoc on homes, communities — and sometimes your vacation plans. Stay safe and learn more about protecting yourself and your family in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm. What Is a Hurricane? A hurricane, also called a tropical cyclone, is a rotating low-pressure system that forms over tropical or subtropical waters. It’s generally accompanied by severe thunderstorms with strong wind speeds. Heavy rains and flooding are also … [Read more...]
Natural Beauty on Useppa Island – Summer
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...]
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 … [Read more...]
A Sanctuary for Bird Life on Useppa Island
Bird Life on Useppa Island - Did you know that bird watching is one of the fastest growing nature hobbies in the US? Why is bird watching so popular? Birds are beautiful, entertaining and inspiring. This year-round hobby appeals to every age group; whether for school-age natural science exploration activities, or pure pleasure. Southwest Florida is a mecca for a wide variety of bird life. Abundant natural habitats, including the Everglades, mangrove forests and tidal flats offer a … [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...]