BY BETH CRAFTS , 4 SEASONS REALTY LLC
People who have taken the time to explore the southwest coast of Florida know of the many treasures found within our barrier islands . Tourists and residents alike can enjoy all sorts of outdoor boating and beach fun . Whether it be camping on Cayo Costa or kayaking around Estero Bay , enjoying the shelling on Sanibel or boating around Pine Island Sound - the many different islands have a rich Florida history , including the culture of the Calusa Indians , legends of pirates , and secret military operations to name a few . But among these alluring islands , situated just east of Cabbage Key , is an island that bewitchingly stands apart for its “ Old Florida ” elegance and historical southern charm . Like the mythological sirens that were said to lure sailors with their enchanting music , Useppa Island calls to those pining for a leisurely stroll back to the turn of the 20th Century .
Once owned by Chicago businessman John Roach ( who built a hotel on it in 1896 ), and then by well-known entrepreneur Baron G . Collier ( who later developed the resort further ), Useppa became a getaway for many corporate giants , political bigwigs , and Hollywood celebrities who escaped to the 100-acre island for its serene tropical beauty , first class cuisine , and elegant accommodations . Aristocrats such as the Vanderbilts , Rockefellers , and Rothschilds vacationed there along with other notables such as Herbert Hoover , Gloria Swanson , Shirley Temple , and Zane Grey .
Today , from the paradisiacal foliage surrounding the island to the historical Collier Inn , Useppa still holds that “ Gilded Age ” charm . Currently owned by Gar Beckstead ( who bought it in 1976 ), the island is a private club that enables locals and visitors various types of memberships , whether they buy property on the island or just enjoy the many amenities available to them and their guests .
“ It ’ s like having the Bahamas in your backyard ,” says Bob Cantu , President of A Handy Home Inspector , and Useppa Island Club member since 2016 . Cantu was first introduced to membership through one of his clients who took him there as a guest . Today , you can find him there a couple of times a month . “ Realtors ® may want to introduce the island to their waterfront buyers . As a home inspector , I see my waterfront clientele gravitating to the island because of its charm ,” he says .
Indeed , Useppa has an alluring charm and rich history that has dated back to at least 8000 BC based on archeological studies . Findings show it was home to the Calusa Indians whose civilization was complex and sophisticated - complete with extensive use of tools , natural resources , and rich in cultural and religious development . Legend has it that in the late 1700s , a pirate named Jose Gaspar ( also known as Gasparilla ) kidnapped the Spanish princess Joseffa de Mayorga with whom he had become enamored . Gaspar used Useppa Island to imprison her and it became known as “ Joseffa ’ s Island .” The island remained sparsely inhabited for several decades . The US Army established a fort on it early in 1850 , but abandoned it before the end of the year and occupied it again during the Civil War . It was reported to be uninhabited in 1885 and had only one family living there in 1895 before Roach built a hotel on it and Collier later developed it into a resort . Hurricanes in 1944 and 1946 damaged what Collier had built and the hotel was torn down . In 1960 , Useppa briefly served as a CIA training base for Cuban exiles in preparation for the Bay of Pigs Invasion . After changing hands several times in the 60s and 70s , the island was finally bought by Beckstead , its current owner . In 2004 , Hurricane Charley caused heavy damage to Useppa , but the re-built Collier Inn was re-opened just a year later . There is a more in-depth history of the Island at the Barbara L . Sumwalt Museum , named after a long-time resident of the island . The museum also serves as a base for archaeological exploration of the island and is open to the public .
To get to the island , one can go by boat , sea plane , or helicopter . Useppa offers the use of their own ferry boats ,
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