Useppa Island 1973-1976: A Wild Ride

Volume XIX
First Quarter 2016
Number 1
Useppa Island 1973-1976: A Wild Ride
by Allen G. Ten Broek (Cap’n Al)
seppa Island is clearly one of the most historic amenities and facilities at South Seas. Our investors
places in Florida. A good deal of this history has started to visit and enthusiasm for additional acquisitions
been documented through the years much of was the result. We bought a 27 foot boat (Mariner I)
that on display in the island museum. My favorite is and conducted tours all along Pine Island Sound. This
the little blue book entitled
resulted in the acquisition
The Legend of Usepof a mile of undeveloped
pa. Following is a small
beach front land midsliver of history that I
island on North Captiva
don’t think has been docand
. a mile of undeveloped
umented by anyone but
beachfront land on Boca
laid the groundwork for
Grande - just south of the
today’s Useppa Island
lighthouse.
Club. I hope you find it
Our boat tours
of interest.
always included a stop at
It all started in 1971
Cabbage Key (operated
An
Overgrown
Pink
Path
when Bob Taylor, an asby Bob Beck) and a
sociate of Gar Beckstead at McKinsey & Company, “drive-by” view of Useppa. The latter was
decided to become a Florida real estate developer. He spooky, as the island was closed with big
chose Sanibel Island to start his new career and called “Beware of Dogs” signs and a large sailboat called
upon friends and family for financial support in the “Big Toy” docked next to the isthmus leading to
form of start-up capital. Gar responded positively and Whoopee Island. We were told that the island’s owner,
so did I along with 15 or so others, mostly from the Jimmy Turner, and his wife were living there on the
Cleveland area. Many of us didn’t even know where second floor of the Collier Inn with Jimmy’s 12 gauge
Sanibel was located. Bob named the company The shotgun providing back-up to the dogs. The only other
Mariner Group.
inhabitants were millions of mosquitoes.
Things went well with two start-up projects in
In June of 1973 there was a loud knock on my office
the winter season of 1972. This led to a fortuitous door at South Seas - it was Jimmy Turner. He announced
opportunity for Mariner to acquire the South Seas that he had been monitoring Mariner’s activities in the
Plantation Resort on Captiva Island which occurred area, and asked if we would be interested in acquiring
in September. I joined Bob at that time to manage the Useppa from him. I could only say “wow” and told him
operation and development of South Seas.
“of course we’d be interested.”
By early 1973 we had added 30 new hotel rooms
That led to an island visit and a personal tour by
along with a host of other new and/or renovated Continued on page 14
U
Useppa Chronicle
Page 2
Useppa Chronicle
Strengthening our Fire Department
Brick-by-Brick
A View from under the Mangroves
Wrinkles and Crinkles
by Virginia Amsler
T
he face staring back at me in the
mirror is familiar but the eyes
are squinty. Tracks of wrinkles
make their way down my cheeks.
Has it really been twenty-four years
since I first walked down the dock?
I pulled out old albums. My
children looked different too. There
were only four of us on our fist visit,
my then husband and two teenagers.
Terry West met us at the “Lady
Chadwick” and took us on a tour.
We joined right away and bought
Whelk Cottage within a year.
Now I am single and a
grandmother. A daughter-in-law and
a son-in-law are part of my family.
Four grandchildren fish in holiday
Izaak Walton Tournaments, greet
Santa on the beach, go manatee
hunting with Captain Pat, wait for
the Easter Bunny by the pool.
I was in my forties when Useppa
first became my home. I was on the
young side of islanders. Now I am
the age of all those I once thought
old. Other young families, my age
then, buy homes. It’s their children
driving golf carts up and down the
beach. The fourth generation of
The USEPPA CHRONICLE
is published by the Useppa
Island Club
Editor: Virginia L. Amsler
Artwork by:
Karen Kaufman
Editorial Assistant and Layout:
Dr. Bob Lade
Direct correspondence to
The CHRONICLE
P. O. Box 640, Bokeelia, FL
33922
Telephone: 239-283-4997 or
E-Mail: [email protected]
Hagers sits under beachside cabanas.
The third Wallingford generation is
fishing. The Bound family started a
Christmas Duathlon tradition. Eddie
Soriero who once caught fish off
the dock as a boy, now teaches my
grandchildren how to do that.
This year we celebrate the 40th
Anniversary of the Useppa Island
Club. New men and women chair
Island committees, take their places
in Island government. My generation
and the first Useppa families will
continue to contribute our time
and skills to making this multigenerational place a home that
makes all welcome. But, it is the new
homeowners, the new members, the
young men and women who grew up
on Useppa who add the zest.
It’s Easter Weekend. Families
will gather on the beach for Easter’s
Sunrise Service. Older children will
help new fishermen put a shrimp
on their hooks, cast a line, haul in
a fish in the Izaak Walton Kids’
Tournament.Teenage golf cart drivers
will go slowly while their little
brothers and sisters follow the Easter
Bunny looking for colored eggs.
Young adults will have a drink
at the Tarpon Bar with old and new
friends. A little boy who held his
father’s hand is now a new father.
A June wedding will celebrate the
marriage of a young woman and
young man who met here years ago.
Toddlers on the beach today are
watched by parents who played on
that same beach twenty years ago.
Yes, that face in the mirror is mine.
The lines and squinty eyes belong to
me. I don’t like the door opening to
old age, but it is a privilege to still
be part of Useppa. It is an honor to
be one of the most recent stewards
in the island’s long history. It is
also just plain fun driving the golf
cart with grandchildren next to me,
going down to the Grotto, lunching
poolside, baking chocolate chip
cookies with children I love, seeing
my children as loving parents.
I am following in the footsteps
of the generations who have gone
ahead. One day I will join their
spirits. Right now I’m simply
grateful and proud of the next
generation’s discovering and caring
for the island I call home.
Easter Sunrise Service
Page 3
O
by Laura Stokes, UFD Chief Medical Officer
n S a t u r d a y, M a r c h 1 9 t h , 2 0 1 6 , t h e added to the initial foundation….
U s e p p a Island Fire Department
The growth and expansion of the Island fire
h e l d i t s b i - a n n u a l f u n d r a i s e r , service included the planning and construction of the
“Strengthening our Department: Brick-By-Brick.” firehouse, research and acquisition of fire suppression
UIFD has a proud history of
equipment (such as fire engines,
responding to the needs of the
pumps, and protective clothing),
Island community providing the
and the professional development
necessary emergency equipment
of the resident firefighters. More
and personnel for the protection
bricks…..
of all persons.
Additionally, emergency medical
In earlier days, Useppa
equipment was purchased and
Island residents recognized the
evacuation protocols for boat and air
danger of a fire on the island
transport were initiated adding more
and the necessity both of
bricks to the Department’s strength.
prevention and suppression.
Today, your Island Fire
A brave group of willing men
Department is staffed with three
and women volunteered. This
experienced firefighters and
acknowledgment of fire danger,
emergency medical providers.
and the subsequent purchase of
UIFD has added advanced life
basic fire suppression equipment
support capability and equipment,
are the foundations of our modern
water access points across the island
Island fire department.
for rapid fire suppression, flight
The theme, Brick-By-Brick,
insurance availability, training
Dudley’s Flagpole: Brick by Brick we
is a tribute to the men and
opportunities for volunteers, and
beautify,
remember
and
build.
women of Useppa Island with a
an aggressive public education
Painting by Beverly Anderson
commitment to keep their island
program. More bricks.
neighbors and property safe. Dudley Kirchner and Carter
The 2016 Fundraiser kick-started our engraved
Bacon, two Useppa Island residents, were instrumental brick campaign to beautify the area around the flagpole
in the recruitment and hiring of full-time fire-department dedicated to the late Dudley Kirchner. We salute the
personnel. With the guidance of the Fire Board directors, Island members, staff and visitors who enabled the UIFD
a plan was developed for the continued growth of Useppa to grow and strengthen. You are the cement that holds
Island’s Fire Department. All of these steps are bricks these bricks together!
Beach Croquet Players 2015
Useppa Chronicle
Page 4
Catboat Rendezvous
E
Sandpiper World Championship February 24-28, 2016
by Bob Stevens, Race Committee
ighteen Marshall Sandpiper catboats competed on
Pine Island Sound for beautiful seashell prizes
crafted by Charlie Chapin. Too much wind
mostly, though the sailors managed to sail seven races
over two days of racing. The
list of competitors included
our Useppa Yacht Club’s
Sandpiper fleet, sailors
from Barnegat Bay in New
Jersey and Nantucket, and
Geoff Marshall, President
of Marshall Marine, the
builders of the Sandpiper and
other sailboats.
Everyone was on the
I s l a n d b y We d n e s d a y
afternoon for the opening
reception held at Paul Beisswenger and Carolyn Krusi’s
wonderful home. Rain made holding the reception
on the Tarpon lawn impossible. Paul and Carolyn
graciously offered their home for the gathering.
The “Rules” for the regatta were announced at the
reception, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the hors
d’oeuvres provided by Useppa Yacht Club members.
The gathering provided everyone a great start to the
next three days of sailing and fun.
Racing was scheduled for the next morning, but the
wind was just too much. So, Thursday became the “layday” for the regatta, with a morning bocce tournament
on the Island’s new bocce courts. The bocce gathering
was a huge success, with a spirited, fun competition
among the sailors.
Everyone enjoyed a delightful lunch on the beach,
with a wide array of do-it-yourself fixings. Fresh salads
were in abundance.
The afternoon breeze looked a bit much for racing,
so the sailors competed in a gutter boat regatta on the
beachfront side of Kurt and Kathleen Stocker’s cottage.
Lots of fun and thoughtful
sailing. Many participants
wound up simply out of
breath!
The dinner at the Tarpon
Bar on Thursday evening
was just right. Everyone
enjoyed being together
for a relaxed evening,
reliving the event of two
years ago through the
camera lens of Ginny
Amsler and the digital
wizardry of Paul Swigert.
Friday morning arrived with a bluster, but the call was
for the wind to lighten a bit, which it did. The racing
got started at 10:40 in about 10 knots of breeze. Lunch,
hamburgers and hot dogs, on the beach followed the
race. Because the breeze looked a bit less than it was
in the morning, the fleet went out for a race after lunch
without reefs in the sails. Though the race got started in
about 11 knots of breeze, it steadily increased with gusts
to about 15 knots. A boat took on water, capsized, and
had to be towed to the beach, a very complicated and
slow process. Charlie Chapin showed his fine nautical
skills towing the Sandpiper all the way across the Sound
to the beach. Nobody was hurt, the sailors rescued and
brought to safety quickly, and the boat bailed out on the
beach. Once floated properly she was declared ready
for competition the next day.
Useppa Chronicle
Page 5
The sailors were on their own Friday evening, and all
found a way to enjoy their evening on Useppa Island.
Saturday morning showed little wind early, and the
racing was postponed, waiting for it to fill in. A breeze
finally showed up from the North, and the first race
started at 10:20. Because the breeze was called to be a
bit brisk for the fleet, a reef was called for, and all three
races in the morning were done with a reef in the sail.
The sailors were back for a chicken and bratwurst lunch
on the beach, and came out in the afternoon, without a
reef for the final two races.
The Regatta concluded at the Collier Inn with a full
and tasty “Thanksgiving” dinner prepared by Chef
Blake and his staff. Following the dinner, Mike Albert
awarded the prizes and acknowledged the volunteer
leadership who worked so hard to make the Regatta
such a success.
So, all in, the Sandpiper sailors competed in seven
races over the two days of sailing. With a one race
throwout, the finishing line up was tight, with Jim
Gelenitis and Susan Rauf from the Metedeconk River
Yacht Club in New Jersey the winners. They won the
last two races on Saturday afternoon.
Useppa Yacht Club’s Bill and Sherry Welch were
second in the regatta, followed by Mike Spark and his
wife Nancy from the Mantoloking Yacht Club in New
Jersey in third place, tied by Ed King, a Useppa Yacht
Club member and Jim Cadranell from Bay Head Yacht
Club in New Jersey.
The regatta was organized by Mike Albert and Jim
Doherty, with support and help from many Useppa
homeowners. Standouts among the helpers: Aimee
Lockhart organized the lunches with lots of help from
Karen Albert, Bill Newbold of Bill’s Grille fame and
Tom Anderson did the lunch grilling, Carol Doherty and
Gretchen Coyle arranged the regatta merchandise, and
Bob Stevens with mark setting help from Henry Vare
managed the sailboat racing.
It takes a village to put on a regatta like this every
other year, and many others chipped in with help on
lunches, bocce, gutter boat sailing, and race committee.
Together, the Island made a fine showing. Thanks to all!
Overboard! Dan O’Connell & Frank Greer
Bocce competitors Garth Grimmer vs. Kim Lockhart
Gutterboat “sailors” Jim Crabbe vs. Jim Urner
Bill’s Grille volunteers
www.Useppa.com
Useppa Chronicle
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Useppa Chronicle
Page 7
Island Style
Island commute: Buddy Williamson & Kirby Whetstone
Canadian visitors Linda & Chris Hines
Michael Charmichael
4th generation Useppa Hagers Whit and Reese Davis
Sheila & Ray George
U.F. and Randell Research on Useppa: T. Sear, P. Miller, M. Emmerson, D.
Jones, J. Sear, B. Marquardt, G. Amsler, and W. Miller
The Bound Family celebrates Super Sunday at the Tarpon Bar
Diana Sheldon
“Naughty Nancy” Paul and Nancy Eddy with friends from Boca Grande
Useppa’s “Wireless Connection” Steve Kaufman
Museum Artist John Costin
Toto’s parents Mary and Dana Smith
Useppa Chronicle
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Useppa Chronicle
Izaak Walton Tarpon Tournament
W
by Tom Liber for the Izaak Walton Club of Useppa, photos by Suzy Trino
e are proud and excited to announce the will be an opportunity for Calcutta wagering among
Useppa Island 2016 Invitational Tarpon Tour- the teams. All other proceeds of the tournament will be
nament is now officially scheduled for June donated to the Bone-fish & Tarpon Trust. All anglers
3rd and 4th here on the Island. As most of you know will receive a goody bag with a Tournament shirt.
The entire function is non
last year’s inaugural was
profit. We are committed
a smashing success and
to honoring Useppa’s rich
attended by anglers from
history of Tarpon fishing
all over the world. We have
by supporting both the
expanded the tournament,
local fishing economy (the
revised the format and
guides) and the preservation
planned new activities that
of Tarpon fishing itself
we believe all will enjoy.
(Bonefish & Tarpon Trust).
We started small in 2015
We are using this
and were overwhelmed by
function also as a
the response. Eight of the
springboard for revitalizing
area’s top fishing guides
On the Watch
the Izaak Walton Club of
captained the tournament
Useppa
Island.
Many
of
you
have
already volunteered to
last year and all 8 are back plus 12 more. We had 23
anglers last year and have the capacity for 40 in this help us reactivate the club, and we welcome the support
year’s event. We’ve given last year’s participants first and involvement of all of you.
Tarpon Fishing was the heart and soul of the history of
dibs, and most have already committed to being here
early
20th century Useppa. We hope you will join us this
again for this year’s tournament. We hope that more
Useppa members will want to join in the adventure in June and become a part of the new Izaak Walton Club .
Write to us at [email protected] and join in
2016.
as
soon
as you can.
The tournament kicks off at noon on Friday with a
Captain’s Meeting and lunch followed by an afternoon
/early evening fish. Each captain will be paired with
two anglers. Dinner and much bragging on Friday
evening. Saturday morning boats will leave the dock
at 7:00 a.m. with the same captain and two angler
teams from the day before. Saturday’s trip ends at 1:00
p.m. Saturday afternoon leisure time with pool, bocce,
museum tours, etc. Saturday evening pig roast, live
entertainment and awards ceremony.
We are now proud partners and sponsors of the
2015 Tournament Anglers
Bone-fish & Tarpon Trust. Their Executive Director
will be with us Saturday evening to talk about BTT
and its efforts to protect and enhance the Tarpon
population here in Southwest Florida and throughout
North America. We believe the tournament is all about
honoring the Silver King and the fishing guides who
foster this fabulous sporting activity for us here in the
Tarpon Capital of the World.
This year’s entry fee is $1200 and will be a turnkey event. We provide the guides and tackle so all you
have to do is show up and have fun! All prize money
will go to the winning fishing guides. Naturally there
Heading out
L
Page 9
“Useppa Home Companion”
Sunday, February 20th, 2016
ive on stage in the Tarpon Bar on lovely Useppa Island Florida, an old-fashioned radio show, “Useppa
Home Companion” starred neighbors and friends.
Sponsored by the Useppa Island Historical Society,
characters from Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home
Companion” settled in for the evening. Dan O’Connell
in sports jacket, red tie and red sneakers was the emcee
and story-teller. Shane Swigert was his “mom” in one
skit, Paul Miller’s wife in another. Allie Lindhorst sang
a solo and harmonized in duets with Miller.
Brady Stokes collected cast off script pages. Paul
Swigert was the Sound Man working with Karen
Connery. Linda Colgan and Kurt Stocker were
everywhere in ads and skits.
Useppa year rounder Ginny Amsler read two of her
poems, “The Coach and Miss Barbara,” about Island
icons Bob and Barbara Sumwalt, and “Bearded Man
and Shaggy Dog: True Story… Almost,” about old
neighbor and friend Barney King with his rescue dog
Trouble.
The show was the brainchild of and directed by
Museum Director Rona Stage.
“Garrison” Dan O’Connell & “Mom” Shane Swigert
Dan O’Connell & poet Ginny Amsler
Allie Lindhorst and Paul Miller
O’Connell, Colgan, Lindhorst & Stocker
Paul & Warren Miller with Rona Stage
Hot off the Press: “......read all the national reviews
and it’s unanimous, the UHC was a stunningly huge
success.” ..... Entertainment columnist, Heda Larsen.
“....Dan O’Connell rumored to be the next Garrison
Keillor.”..... Peeps Magazine.
“....UHC heading to play off Broadway in 2017.”
..... Anonymous Source.
www.Useppa.com
Useppa Chronicle
Page 10
Useppa Chronicle
Page 11
Landing in the Right Place
by Rogan White
don’t remember when I first began coming to Useppa grouper. After coming to grips with the situation, I nearly
Island. It’s just always been a part of my life in some soiled myself, regrouped, and gently coaxed it along its
way, and my experiences here over the years trace way poking it with my spear-tip. Typically that resulted
back to when my memories come into clear focus. The in an explosion of silt and sediment.
Night-fishing the
Island has always been a
Useppa docks is about
destination for me, and for
what it sounds like. I
that I’m fortunate.
would pick the right tide,
Its importance began
coupled with a favorable
with something as simple
moon-phase during a
as a golf cart and someone
particular time of year
kind-hearted enough to
(yes, fellow fishermen,
allow a fledgling boy to
I’m being cryptic) and seek
borrow it unannounced.
out the Island’s private
That woman is Ginny
docks. While live bait of
Amsler, one of the kindest
various types were almost
women I’ll ever know.
always on-hand, my most
As it turns out, she also
valuable and productive
doubled as a clandestine
tool of the trade was the
over-watch agent to my
fly rod. If you’ve ever flyfather, communicating
fished, you’ll appreciate
together via phone any
the difficulty attempting
sightings of my brother
it at night around docks,
and me once we were
trying to land tournamentold enough to borrow the
sized redfish and snook.
family boat. While we had
A pilot, a realtor & an author fly to the Everglades...*
If you think every
the illusion of freedom to
(Photo by Wendy Webb)
occasion
resembled the
do whatever we wanted,
poetic prose of Maclean’s A River Runs Through It,
there were still those who cared keeping close tabs.
As years went by, priorities evolved to subjects such you’re wrong. Cusswords were yelled, flies were
as fish and women. Fish around the Island were easy to snagged, fish were lost, and sometimes, fish and fly went
find, the women had to be captured and brought there. off together. I suspect a number of Collier Inn guests
The simpler of the two subjects (fish) were targeted a thought the “Ghost of Barron Collier” was delivering
number of ways, but the most lucrative approaches were them a vulgar recitation on the ancestry of snook, and
spear fishing and night fishing. Spear-fishing around how one might go reproduce with itself or a family
docks is neither welcomed by others, approved by the member. But… there were nights when things worked
Board of Governors or legal, but I was putting food on out perfectly, and they were beautiful.
I realized before too long that life isn’t all about
the table. There isn’t a better dock in the area to dive
than the Useppa “loading dock” as we called what you chasing fish and I needed to get a career (not a job, a
career). I tried compromise and attempted life as an area
know as the “Collier Dock.”
Starting from outside the main platform, I swam to fishing guide, but the fun/work ratio to being a fishing
the bottom, slowly making my way under its shadow. guide isn’t what I thought it would be. I decided I would
Once there, I stopped, allowed my eyes to adjust to the do the next best thing, arrest and ticket fisherman. I
lack of light. More often than not, I looked up through wanted to become an FWC officer.
In 2013 I put myself through law enforcement acadethe maze of “x”-bracing to see hundreds of snook,
snapper, sheepshead, spadefish, mullet and pilchards. my. After graduation, I quickly found jobs in LE don’t
Occasionally, the water was murky enough to discover happen overnight. While I was stressing over hiring
beside me lay not a large ball of seaweed, but a goliath Continued on page 15
I
First Annual Useppa Duathlon Competitors
The 1st Annual Useppa Duathlon took place on December 29th with over 20 competitors finishing. Some
entrants participated as individuals, some as members of a team. All had fun and vow a return next year.
The duathlon was a 2k run followed by 1k sea swim and another 2k run. The winner was Alex Bound, 2nd
place went to Tyler Sipprelle, and 3rd place was awarded to Jack Bound.
This will be an annual event over the Christmas week going forward. See you all in December 2016!
(by Simon Bound)
Paul & Judi Sellers and UIC Host
Author Robert Macomber
Useppa Historical Society Welcomes
Back Brendan Burke
After a talk at the Tarpon Bar about Cuba’s
revolutionary history, Nancy and speaker Bob
Macomber with Judi and Paul Sellers.
Maritime Historian, Science Diver, Archaeologist &
Author Brendan Burke, with Islander Joe Cox. Burke
spoke at the Museum about a shipwreck from 1782.
Useppa Chronicle
Page 12
Useppa Chronicle
Useppa’s Paradise Partnersip
by Donna Anderson
seppa Island is a unique and special place to all
The Orchid Brigade soon formed with twelve
of us. It is a treasure chest of tropical beauty volunteers to further “orchidize” the paths and
enhanced by old time Florida ambiance. roads. They plant donated orchids on the trees,
Visitors, members and property owners relish typically on Sunday mornings. We encourage
opportunities to spend time on this remarkable island. islanders to donate orchids after blooming. We
At a recent meeting of the Board of Governors, collect them under Judith Sear’s house.
a new initiative was
The Botanical Trail
created to preserve and
Team of nine volunteers
enrich our heritage. Its
has been recreating the old
vision was to create a joint
Botanical Trial, literally
venture between island
blown away by Hurricane
management and property
Charley in 2004. Judith
owners to identify projects
Sear and myself, for the
that both parties working
last three years, have been
together could accomplish
researching and using
to meet that goal.
Richard Gane’s book
From this action,
(available in an iBook
the “Useppa Paradise
“Useppa Island Plant
Partnership” was created.
Guide”) to recreate a Trail
Our first project would be the Greater Reception Area. It booklet. It will include four “neighborhood” walks,
encompasses the view from the dock towards Reception and explain the amazing facts about how Useppa
and continues around the corner to the walkway to the trees come from all over the planet! The booklets
pink path.
will be available for sale in the Joseffa store and the
The Partnership’s first challenge was to plant the Museum with proceeds helping to enhance Useppa’s
two gardens on either side of the bridge at the rear of beautification.
reception. More than twenty-five volunteers filled them
We are off to a terrific start and we are now a standwith bromeliads gathered from Useppa home gardens. alone organization separate from the BOG. Come to the
Orchids were hung on trees. The change was immediate. island and see what we have been able to accomplish so
The magic occurred within an hour.
far. We welcome your help and suggestions.
The next project was the seaside Reception Gardens.
Gar Beckstead said “We are here on this
Bromeliads and orchids selected by several Useppans, precious island to preserve and improve its natural
were placed by Landscaping’s Chris Stack, according to beauty for future generations while we are fortunate
his proposed design, and planted by fourteen volunteers. enough to reside here”.
U
Wielding a shovel: Karen Kaufman
Donna Anderson: Wielding a Bromeliad
Page 13
Useppa: When You Really Want to be Here
T
by Steve Jupinko
here are unique and enchanting places in this country that have to be experienced to be understood.
My love for travel and adventure, seasonal
jobs, and heading off the beaten path, led to my interest
in Useppa Island. Prior
to actually driving down
to begin a few months of
waitering, it was initially
enough to know that I was
headed down to the Gulf
Coast of Florida to work
on a private island, thus
skipping out on another
Ohio winter.
How does one
embrace this sort of
lifestyle? Simple. Start
out like I did, as a
photojournalist. Because
after those daily adventures
it takes something ‘a little
more special’ to follow up.
So Useppa fits right in.
In many ways I live life here in the usual way walking the island paths, appreciating a cozy room
with both air-conditioning and a heat source, and going
ashore to re-provision or attend a church service.
I like to take ‘Photo Walks’ where my goal is
to continue to document my Useppa experience
(Instagram = traveler7890). Those walks have
yielded a detailed knowledge of the island, while
providing special sightings of various fish, bald
eagles, owls, raccoons, and the elusive gator that lives
in the reclaimed water pond. Combine my passion
for photography with ospreys and egrets, frogs and
snakes, anoles, tortoises, crabs and scorpions, and
there’s never a dull moment.
Looking forward to what’s next includes
rendezvous with Cheddar cat, and the precious dogs
of Useppa. Sheepishly, I admit that I remembered
names like Breezy, Puck, Maggie, Sandy and Toto,
before I firmly recognized ‘their people’. Lulu and
I are friends, I’ve taken Dash for a walk, and now I
carry vegan treats with me at all times for those chance
encounters with additional furry friends.
Counting my blessings on Useppa goes further
here. There are a good number of members I’ve served
at the Collier Inn who have made work a real joy.
The daily ‘chemistry’ changes, but it’s always
nice to greet a familiar face in one of the island’s
main hubs of activity. The
unique treasure on Useppa
can often be found in the
dining room experience.
During my first couple
months here, when it was
determined that we could
use a little more help, I
was able to recommend a
friend who I knew would
appreciate the experience
and excel at this type
of work, and shortly
thereafter, Rebecca came
to join us.
Part of me wishes that
you could all know me
as someone other than
simply your waiter. That
is my commitment here, however, and I take my job
as a server seriously.
Occasionally, people have said that my service
made a positive impression on them. My reply - “You
can tell when someone really wants to be here.” I
really do. I guess that comes through sometimes.
Happy Easter from Anastasia, Tim Fitzsimmons
and the Bunny
Useppa Chronicle
Page 14
Continued from page 1
Gar (who was now in Japan with McKinsey). Jimmy
Jimmy. And what a wild ride that was! He had a jeep- and his wife decided to leave the island – which meant
truck with no shocks that he drove around the island at we had to have someone there to watch over it. Along
break neck speeds – chasing egrets and herons at every came Bill Raynor (a retired fireman) and his girlfriend,
opportunity. His colorful language made the tour even Cookie. I think the spirits on Useppa were happy with
them – as they lived there for the next two years and
more memorable. What had we gotten into??
The most fascinating thing was the tour of the helped us get the island ready for its next chapter of life.
The last thing I did with Jimmy was to secure all the
Cottages and the Collier Inn. There are legendary stories
as to why and how the island was closed several years valuables in the Collier inn and the Cottages. It took us
earlier, and Jimmy confirmed every one of them. He an entire weekend and included all the things you see
had purchased the island after selling his dairy business today oriental rugs, the mirror over the fireplace in the
near Tampa and had sailed “Big Toy” to the area to live living room, numerous trophies, bags of tarpon scales,
and explore. He bought and reopened Useppa to tourists mounted fish, etc., etc. A huge job!
Then it was caretaking time. We installed two
and fishermen – and worked hard to meet their needs.
small generators on the island –
But he did not have the patience
one to partly power the marina (for
for it. One morning he snapped
Bill and Cookie’s boat) and one to
marching down the Pink Path with
power Mondango Cottage (which
his shotgun ordering everyone to
we cleaned and fixed up for use as
leave immediately. They did, and
needed). The Pink Path was totally
he locked all the doors with things
overgrown with vegetation and
“as is.” Beds partly made, tables set
gradually cleared. We got the tractor
in the Collier, liquor in the bar.
working and bushhogged all the
I saw it all - and was astounded. It
tall grass on the old golf course and
was more than spooky, it was scary.
elsewhere. We started in on repairing
Jimmy explained that he had sold an
the old tennis court and the pool. The
option to buy the island to a group from
list of projects was endless – but we
Kissimmee, Florida – some of whom
had benefitted from selling their land to Disney. They told were under no need to rush.
Probably the biggest single accomplishment we made
him they intended to restore the island to its historic past.
at this time was convincing the Lee County Mosquito
He loved the idea and made them a good deal.
Then thunder and lightning struck! Somehow Jimmy Control District to larvicide and spray Useppa. I can’t
obtained a copy of their development plan for the island. begin to describe how incredible the mosquitoes were
It depicted a multitude of multi-story buildings wall- on a hot summer day. Bare skin would turn black with
to-wall along all of the shorelines with interior units as swarms of insects in a matter of minutes.
The other challenge was fuel for the generators. We
well – perhaps 500 to 1,000 condos in all!
The result was the call on me. He knew that Mariner were in the midst of the 1974/1975 gas shortages and
had already downzoned South Seas from 4,000+ units struggling. Fortunately South Seas had a fuel allocation
to 912 – and wanted to see if we would develop Useppa – and we used it to support Useppa, Cabbage Key, and
in a low density way as well. I told him that this was North Captiva.
Finally the fun part! We owned a private island!
the only way we would get involved.
The meeting with Jimmy to finalize our deal was Let’s party! We’d organize weekends of 8-10 couples
unique and certainly memorable. Jimmy met me at the (adults only – just like Jimmy Turner) to stay in boats
marina in his jeep-truck and we drove over to Whoopee and in Mondango Cottage. We rigged up a flatbed
Island. He had built a small stone firepit surrounded trailer with lawn chairs and toured it all over the island
by two benches. He lit a fire and came forth with two to sightsee the various areas, the wildlife, etc. The
coolers – one filled with beer, the other with steaks. fishing was fabulous. We’d go to Cabbage Key one
Four hours later we had a deal. I really don’t remember night (I loved playing that old piano) and cooked out
on island the other. It’s funny how nine months later
how I got back to South Seas.
We closed on the purchase in December – with funds so many of us were having babies.
raised from our friends and family investors, including Continued on page 15
Useppa Chronicle
Continued from page 11
processes, I still needed a job. I looked to Useppa since
I was at the time living on Pine Island. I was hired
on as a bellman and began working with and for the
Island’s members, homeowners and their guests. I was
immediately comfortable and at home on the island.
Page 15
to the Useppa Homeowner than ever. I am forever
indebted to Terry and will always value his mentorship.
I am extremely fortunate to have my newfound
place and involvement with the Useppa Island Club.
It gives me the everyday opportunity to reminisce on
an exciting childhood, and the chance to interact daily
with successful and highly intelligent individuals, the
primary demographic of our members and homeowners. I’m lucky to be where I am, and it wouldn’t be
here if it weren’t for the people on the island who care
for and watch over me.
*Pythons in Florida: An Invasive Species
Rogan White and fiance Rachael Ketterman
After a time, I was approached by our fearless
leader Tim Fitzsimmons. He sat me down and assured
me that if I decided to commit to Useppa Island, he
and others would do everything in their power to take
care of me. I couldn’t have realized at the time how
much weight his words carried. Tim has a paternal
influence on me, and thankfully I began the process
of taking up the opportunity of his offer.
I passed on taking a second chance at FWC’s hiring
group & HR department and accepted the job of
Useppa’s Guest Service Manager. It was a challenging
position that transcends the phrase “multi-tasking.” It
also offered the reward of working more closely with
our homeowners, and a closer look into Useppa’s inner
operations and logistics.
Terry West made the possibility of me being both
happily and successfully employed a reality. He
offered me a chance to sell Useppa Memberships
and learn how to handle the intricate workings of
the Membership Office. During that time, he deftly
suggested I might want to get my real estate license. He
began teaching me about Useppa’s real estate market.
Months passed by of me juggling wine-stains
within rental units, carrying guest’s bags when
necessary, ordering housekeeping supplies and selling
memberships on Terry’s days off. Then suddenly he
and Lou Ann announced their retirement. Now, I sit in
“Terry’s Office” with my name on the desk, real estate
license in-hand and an even greater responsibility
by Rogan White
Since Hurricane Andrew decimated a Dade County
exotic snake hatchery in 1992, releasing its stock
coupled with the release or escape of exotic snakes
due to irresponsible pet-snake-owners, South Florida
is experiencing devastating environmental effects
resulting from the invasive species. The Burmese Python
(pictured) can grow to over 25’ in length and has few
natural predators. None, in fact when they get to over
20’. They are wiping out the raccoon, otter, opossum,
wading bird and already-scarce deer populations in
south Florida wetlands. Properly licensed and permitted
hunters are authorized to humanely terminate invasive
reptiles on site within authorized areas. To learn more
about this growing environmental issue visit www.
myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/python/
Continued from page 14
To conclude – thank God for Gar’s deciding to leave
McKinsey and take charge of Useppa. By then the
concept of a private club and residential community
was evolving and emerging – and it needed someone to
live, eat, and breathe it into existence. I still remember
greeting Gar and Sanae on the dock when they arrived
from Tokyo. What a change it was for both of them
– but especially for her!
There’s a whole additional story to tell as to how
the Club got organized and started. Gar, Bob, and I
drew straws for the first membership numbers (I am
00003). I still very much appreciate some of the early
management and staff including Vince Formosa, Tim
Fitzsimmons, Linda Formosa, and so many others. Also
early property owner members such as Bill and Edna
Hager, Bob and Barbara Sumwalt and others. But that’s
for someone else to tell.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my memories
and recollections.
Useppa Chronicle
Page 16
New
Members
New Members
Dana Smith
Carl Bailin
Ava Shypula
Jon Reecher
Timothy Fullum
Noah & Allison Lieske
Mike & Leslie Young
Chauncey Goss
Eric & Deborah Dehmel
James & Camille
Useppa Island Club
P.O. Box 640
Bokeelia, FL 33922
(239) 283-1061
Tichenor
Jonathan & Patricia Pedersen
Kyle A. Scheid
Ron & Marie Brown
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