Call UsYour top choice for compassionateIn-Home Care in Cape Coral, FL
It's often said that the golden years of your life are the most enjoyable. For most older adults in the U.S., it's a time to unwind, reflect, and live in the comfort of familiar surroundings. And that's how it should be - most senior citizens in America worked hard to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise their families. Shouldn't they be able to age with grace and dignity at home?
The answer is undoubtedly "yes," but as seniors age, they sometimes need assistance to live independently. Unfortunately, many older adults are unable to rely on adult children for help due to busy schedules, a lack of expertise, or both. That's where Mind & Mobility's home care in Cape Coral, FL begins to make a lot of sense.
Our in-home care services cater to those who want to stay in their homes as they age but require ongoing care that their loved ones cannot provide. Nowadays, most seniors prefer to live away from long-term care facilities and closer to their home where they feel most at ease.
If you or your senior loved one wants to thrive in their own house and avoid care facilities, in-home care is an effective, safe way to give family and friends the care they need when they need it the most.
Service Areas
The Mind & Mobility Difference
Mind & Mobility is a home care agency that takes pride in helping seniors enjoy life at home with grace and comfort. One of the biggest reasons why so many seniors and their families choose us is that our senior caregivers in Cape Coral, FL, do more than just change bedsheets and prepare meals. They make it a point to provide compassionate care and connect with patients on a personal level.
Instead of eliminating independence from our senior population in Florida, we believe in maximizing it - a goal that's not always supported by assisted living facilities and nursing homes. In fact, those locations are often overpriced, understaffed, and known for the spread of disease. Senior care from Mind & Mobility provides a more emotionally and financially relieving option, whether you need a little help around the house or more involved services like companion care or dementia care.
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What is Senior Care in Cape Coral, FL?
Many older adults in the United States prefer to age at home, as it offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity. According to an AARP report, three out of four adults aged 50 and above wish to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
However, as adults approach their 60s and 70s, some may require assistance around the house, especially when family members are too busy or live far away. The truth is that the natural process of aging can make it challenging to continue living at home. Simple tasks like running errands become more difficult due to mobility issues. Preparing healthy meals and keeping track of medications and appointments can also become a challenge. Safety becomes a concern, and family members may worry about the well-being of their loved ones.
In these situations, in-home care is often a perfect fit. It allows seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
Mind & Mobility provides a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they receive the help they need to remain independent. If you have a senior loved one who needs some extra help to stay happy and healthy, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even from afar.
Some of the most common home care services offered at Mind & Mobility include.
- Light Housekeeping
- Nutrition Monitoring
- Assistance with Technology
- Meal Preparation
- Dressing, Bathing, & Grooming
- Medication Reminders
- Laundry Services
- Activity Escorts
- Much More
Did You Know?
U.S. adults over the age of 60 have a 59% higher chance of being unable to perform daily routines and activities if they're lonely.
Our in-home care services are covered by medical insurance, long-term care policies, and private pay. Members have the freedom to choose their own caregiver.
Curious if home care in Cape Coral, FL is right for you or your older loved one? Contact our office in Florida today for a no-pressure discovery call to learn more. If you or your loved one is ready to live life to the fullest, getting in-home care from Mind & Mobility is a quick, easy three-step process.
1. Speak to a Care Representative
One of our skilled care representatives will speak with you in person or over the phone and help you select the best home care plan to keep your loved one happy at home.
2. Go Over Your Care Plan
A local care professional from Mind & Mobility will travel to your home and sit with you one-on-one to discuss the details of your care plan.
3. Thrive from the Comfort of Home
Once your care plan is selected, you will have the pleasure of watching your senior loved one enjoy an independent life at home with the help of a compassionate caregiver.
Companion Care You Can Count On
Aging in place refers to the practice of aging adults living in their homes as they grow old. Studies show that around 77% of retirees prefer to stay in their homes for as long as possible, and home care can be an excellent way to bridge the gap between receiving elder care and staying at home.
Allowing your aging loved ones to maintain their independence is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. This can contribute to their overall health and well-being, as opposed to a living facility where they may feel powerless and depressed. Unfortunately, these facilities often take away a senior's ability to do simple things like cooking for themselves, scheduling visits with family and friends, and even bathing in the comfort of their own homes.
Home care in Cape Coral, FL, including companion care services, is designed to provide both medical and non-medical solutions that your senior needs in order to maintain their independence. That way, your senior doesn't have to destabilize their life or adjust to a new way of living away from home.
Mind & Mobility companion care incorporates a number of different services, including.
- Spending Time with Your Senior
- Conversation
- Homemaking Support
- Planning Outings
- Mobility Assistance
- Help with Nutrition
- Staying Active
- Memory Skills and Games
- Running Errands
- More
Getting Started with Companion Care from Mind & Mobility
To learn more about our companion care services, you can contact any of our nine locations in Florida to request a care consultation with one of our representatives. During your consultation, we'll assess your needs to ensure that we provide the right caregiver at the right time to meet your specific requirements.
Doing so helps us ensure that we get it right the first time. We'll also be happy to answer any questions you may have and introduce you to the team of senior home companions who will provide you with companion care services in Florida.
Need home care companion services on short notice? As a respected senior care business with more than a decade of experience, we have access to a large pool of senior caregivers in Cape Coral, FL who would be happy to provide you or your senior with last-minute support.
Take a Break with RespiteCare Services from Mind & Mobility
Taking care of a senior loved one can be a tiring and overwhelming task, particularly if the caregiver is employed full-time and has other responsibilities to handle. Taking care of an older adult in such a situation can result in caregiver burnout, which can lead to a decline in the quality of care provided and even illness. To combat this issue, many adult caregivers choose respite care as a solution instead of full-time home care in Cape Coral, FL.
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults in the United States provide care to someone aged 50 or older. Unfortunately, many of these caregivers experience stress, fatigue, and even depression.
Respite care services offer a short-term break to family members and unpaid caregivers from their caregiving duties. This is a crucial service that benefits both seniors and their caregivers and can be arranged for a few hours or even several days, depending on their requirements.
What are the Benefits of Respite Care from Mind & Mobility?
Respite care services can have a significantly positive impact on the health of your elderly loved one, as well as your own. Whether it's for an extended period of time or just a few hours a week, respite care can help ease the burden of caregiving.
Taking some time off for yourself may seem selfish at first, but it's crucial to recharge your batteries to be able to continue providing care. Taking a short (or longer-term) break can also improve the overall quality of your care. Plus, professional respite care services offer your senior an opportunity to learn from and engage with a compassionate caregiver from Mind & Mobility.
Some of the most common caregiving services provided by our respite care professionals include.
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Medication Reminders
- Meal Preparation
- Help with Dressing and Grooming
- Bathing Assistance
- More
Our respite care services in Florida are typically offered on a temporary basis. However, we also serve many clients who require assistance on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on their specific needs. We recognize that care needs and schedules can be subject to change, and we strive to be flexible in our approach to ensure that your and your family's needs are met.
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Three Hurdles That Family Caregivers Face
Caring for your aging parents can be a fulfilling act of love. As you reminisce about the care they gave you while growing up, you now have the opportunity to return the favor. However, providing care for loved ones can be challenging. It's important to anticipate the obstacles you may face and learn how to manage them to protect your own health and well-being.
Here are three of the toughest challenges that family caregivers have to face when caring for their senior parents or loved ones.
Not Enough Support
It's common to feel like you're carrying the majority of the burden when it comes to taking care of your aging parents. However, assuming that you are solely responsible for their care can be overwhelming and cause strain in other relationships. It's important to remember that caring for someone else is not a one-person job. Attempting to do so can lead to burnout, depression, and other serious health issues. It can also negatively impact the level of care your parents receive.
Not Enough Sleep
Interrupted sleep can be a problem for older adults whose circadian clock has shifted, leading them to wake up more frequently throughout the night. It can also be a result of stress and worry. If dementia is a factor, you may need to stay alert due to sundowning and wandering. Those tasks can be difficult and require a sharp mind that has had plenty of rest. In fact, getting enough sleep is crucial for your ability to provide the best care for your parents, as well as for your own physical and emotional well-being.
Not Enough Privacy
Sharing living space with your parents can compromise both your physical and emotional privacy. This is especially true if one or both of your parents have dementia, which can cause them to feel afraid or disoriented when you're not around. At the same time, your parents may also find it difficult to maintain their privacy while under your care.
That begs the question - how can you conquer the challenges that most family caregivers face on a daily basis?
In-Home Care in Cape Coral, FL Helps Alleviate Your Burden
Mind & Mobility's in-home caregivers can be there to help you ensure the best care for your parents and a healthier life balance for yourself. Taking a break from caregiving is not just a great idea; it's essential.
Our respite care services offer you regular breaks from caregiving, which allows you to take care of yourself while enriching your parents' lives. We provide opportunities for socialization and engaging activities, along with the necessary support to ensure safety and comfort. You can rest easy knowing that your parents are in the best of hands while you take a break.
Reliable In-Home Care for Parkinson’s Disease in Florida
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. That means that people who are affected by Parkinson’s have symptoms and difficulties that increase over time, and often in different stages. It’s a disease that affects more than 69,000 individuals in Florida. That number is expected to grow to over 120,000 people by 2030. Given that many older adults are misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed, the number of Parkinson’s patients in Florida is probably even higher.
When caring for individuals with Parkinson’s, it’s important to focus on continually adapting both the home environment and daily routines. As the patient's condition progresses, their health and abilities will change, necessitating adjustments to their care plan. Being proactive in anticipating and accommodating these changes can help to maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
If your senior loved one has Parkinson’s, there’s no doubt that you’re stressed about how to give mom or dad the best care possible. To solve this challenging problem, many adult children in Florida turn to Mind & Mobility. Our non-medical in-home caregivers work with Parkinson’s patients daily and have the compassion and commitment to care for your senior so you can breathe easier.
Mind & Mobility caregivers are trained and educated to understand the nuances of caring for a person with Parkinson’s. Some of those training highlights include:
- Strategies to Spot and Manage Motor and Non-Motor Parkinson’s Symptoms
- How Parkinson’s Changes and Advances Over Time
- Fall Prevention
- Nutrition and Diet
- Home Safety
- Medication Timing and Reminders
- Light Exercises to Foster Better Balance and Mobility
- Making Adjustments to Maintain Balance and Hand-Eye Coordination
How Mind & Mobility Caregivers Help Loved Ones with Parkinson’s
At Mind & Mobility, we know that your senior needs help to stay independent and healthy in their home. Unfortunately, having to continually adapt to the varying stages of Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging. An in-home care professional who specializes in non-medical Parkinson’s care can help make those gradual transitions easier, by providing compassionate assistance when you need it most.
As Parkinson's is a progressive condition, the care needs of your loved one will evolve as the disease advances. Initially, they may require assistance with daily errands, but this might progress to needing help with personal care and daily activities. At Mind & Mobility, we understand that each individual's care needs are unique, and we work closely with our clients to develop personalized care plans tailored to their specific requirements.
Some of the tasks that our Parkinson’s caregivers focus on include the following:
Once we know the level of care your loved one needs, we'll craft a customized in-home care plan that alleviates your stress and allows your senior to live comfortably at home. Since Parkinson’s changes over time, your in-home care plan may also change, so we can provide the best care possible.
Contact Mind & Mobility today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about how our caregivers provide compassionate support for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Compassionate Alzheimer’s Care in Florida
Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive, debilitating condition that affects more than five million people in the U.S. In Florida alone, more than 600,000 individuals are affected. By 2030, that number is expected to increase to five million people. Like many forms of dementia, the impact of Alzheimer’s extends beyond the person diagnosed with it, leaving families in Florida with a crucial question:
“How can we give mom or dad high-quality, dependable Alzheimer’s care?â€
For many adult children, the answer to that question is non-medical in-home Alzheimer’s care from Mind & Mobility. Many seniors in the early or middle stages of Alzheimer’s Disease can receive affordable care at home, especially when compared to the costs of nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
At Mind & Mobility, our specially trained memory caregivers provide dignified care in the comforting environment of home on a recurring basis that fits best with you and your senior loved one’s needs. We understand the significant burdens you bear when a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
As such, our compassionate approach to Alzheimer’s in-home care services helps families manage the disease by:
- Maintaining as much independence as possible by allowing your senior to stay in the familiar, comforting environment of home.
- Providing reliable, high-quality Alzheimer’s care services to maintain your parent’s dignity and provide relief to family caregivers.
How Mind & Mobility Caregivers Help Loved Ones with Alzheimer's
Our in-home care services for Alzheimer’s cater to those who want to stay in their homes as they age but require ongoing care that loved ones cannot provide. Nowadays, most seniors prefer to live away from long-term care facilities and closer to home where they feel most at ease. That’s especially true when a senior is experiencing cognitive decline or is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Our professional, highly-trained caregivers help your senior loved one maintain dignity and quality of life with Alzheimer’s in a number of ways.
- Social Engagement
- Mental Stimulation
- Grooming, Dressing, and Toileting
- Transportation to Doctor Appointments
- Grocery Shopping
- Meal Planning
- Medication Reminders
- Maintaining a Safe Home Environment Free of Hazards
- Keeping a Regular Routine to Minimize Agitation
- Much More
- Arts & Crafts
- Reading
- Viewing Family Photos
- Playing Board Games Like Bingo
- Singing Songs
- Figuring Out Jigsaw Puzzles
- Listening to Music
- Much More
- Going on Walks
- Swimming
- Bed Exercises
- Standing Exercises
- Seated Exercises
- Grocery Shopping
- Light Household Chores
- Gardening
- Dancing
- Much More
Compassionate Care When You Need It the Most
At Mind & Mobility Home Care, we take pride in our commitment to helping older adults maintain a high-quality life. Our team of senior caregivers cares deeply about the well-being of our clients and works together to craft personalized services that are backed by research and experience.
Our home care services are designed to support clients in various ways. Whether it's recovering from hip surgery, preventing falls, enhancing cognitive abilities through brain training, or pursuing new hobbies, you can rest easy knowing we have your senior's health and happiness at heart.
Of course, every one of our clients has their own unique needs and goals, and we adjust their levels of care accordingly. But one aspect of our home care services never changes - and that's the compassionate care we provide to seniors so that they may remain independent.
Contact Mind & Mobility today to take the first step toward aging gracefully at home. We'll be there by your side every step of the way.
THRIVE PROGRAM
When our clients choose to trust Mind & Mobility with their in-home care needs, they are not merely signing up for personal care assistance and supervision so that they are safe and supported as they age. There are many agencies and facilities that can provide that. They are choosing Mind & Mobility to provide safety and support so they can THRIVE in their own home. They are choosing our team of caregivers to support and engage with them so their life continues to be filled with purpose, meaningful relationships, and happiness. Why Mind & Mobility is different is our caregiver’s mindset and programmatic approach. If you take away all decisions and all physical difficulties from the client, that's not CARE-GIVING, that's CARE-TAKING. If you take away all obstacles from someone, you progressively take away their ability to overcome those obstacles. The Mind & Mobility team provides supportive activities, for both the mind and body, that maintains the tools the clients need to continue to lead the purposeful and joyful life they choose.
THRIVE PROGRAM has 3 interconnected components: Mind, Mobility, Engagement
Latest News in Cape Coral, FL
What time is the solar eclipse on April 8 in Fort Myers, Cape Coral? Search by ZIP code
Kim Lucianihttps://www.news-press.com/story/news/2024/04/04/solar-eclipse-2024-florida-when-what-time-search-zip-for-lee-county/73207166007/
The solar eclipse of 2024 is just days away, with the path of totality stretching from Texas to Maine.While Southwest Florida won't be cast into complete ...
The solar eclipse of 2024 is just days away, with the path of totality stretching from Texas to Maine.
While Southwest Florida won't be cast into complete darkness on Monday, a partial eclipse will be visible across the area, and as of April 4, there was a 72.1% chance of clear skies in Lee County.
If you've scoped out your perfect viewing spot, be aware of the risk of permanent eye damage from looking directly at the sun and acquire eclipse glasses before the big event but beware of fakes. Prescription glasses retailer Warby Parker has been giving them away for free.
For a fun experiment, wear red or green during the eclipse and see what happens, or indulge in some eclipse deals and specials.
Here's a guide to the Great American Eclipse and a ZIP code search for optimal viewing times:
Countdown to the 2024 solar eclipse
The solar eclipse, also known as the Great North American Eclipse, will happen Monday, April 8, 2024.
What time is the eclipse on Monday in Fort Myers, Lee County? Search by ZIP code
Search for your ZIP code below or select a major city to reveal the time, duration, peak and percentage of the eclipse in your area.
2024 solar eclipse path and times in Fort Myers, Lee County
Monday, April 8, 2024 solar eclipse interactive map
Solar eclipse 2024 path of totality
Contributors: Ramon Padilla, Katrina Zaiets, USA TODAY
Charity chili cook-off set for Sunday
CJ HADDAD -https://www.capecoralbreeze.com/news/local-news/2024/04/04/charity-chili-cook-off-set-for-sunday/
Chili-lovers in Southwest Florida can rejoice, as a popular event that took a one-year hiatus due to Hurricane Ian is back in Cape Coral this weekend.The SWFL Charities Foundation Chili Cook-Off returns to Club Square this Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m., where 15 different restaurants/individuals will rustle up their best version of the often individualized stew.“It’s wonderful to be back,” said one of the directors for SWFL Charities Foundation, Denise Wood, of the sixth annual event. “We’re really excit...
Chili-lovers in Southwest Florida can rejoice, as a popular event that took a one-year hiatus due to Hurricane Ian is back in Cape Coral this weekend.
The SWFL Charities Foundation Chili Cook-Off returns to Club Square this Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m., where 15 different restaurants/individuals will rustle up their best version of the often individualized stew.
“It’s wonderful to be back,” said one of the directors for SWFL Charities Foundation, Denise Wood, of the sixth annual event. “We’re really excited to support our veterans groups, and people here locally that need it.”
All proceeds from the event benefit the Korean War Veterans Chapter 155 Southwest Florida, and Premier Mobile Health Services, which is a non-profit mobile medical clinic that brings essential care to people in need throughout Lee County.
The mobile clinic will be on-site to take patients on a walk-in basis. Patients without insurance and those who provide proof of income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines are provided care at no cost; others in need pay on a sliding scale based on income.
“Their services are so very needed — especially now,” said Lena Neroni, SWFL Charities Foundation president, noting how many in the community continue to deal with losses sustained from Ian. “Everybody is still struggling.”
Wood said The Korean War Veterans are a group that has suffered loss over the years, and are unable to put on many events. On a bright note, the group has merged with Korean Defense Veterans, meaning that any veteran that had spent time in Korea during their tour, can join.
Activities at the cook-off include chili contests for both individuals and restaurants, raffles, crafts and arts vendors, and live music featuring “Total Annihilation,” “Foolish Relics,” and “Bargain Bin Heroes.”
“It’s become a tradition and we’re glad to have it back,” Wood said. “We hope it’s as successful as in years past, and it’s an event for all ages to enjoy. We tried to get some unique vendors people don’t normally see, with a nice variety for all.”
Samples of chili will be $2, so that the public can get a taste of whichever style or level of heat they prefer.
In previous years, roughly 4,000 people attended the chili cook-off, Neroni said. The foundation has previously raised funds for local veterans, animal rescue organizations, health education groups, cancer patients and more.
Admission to the event is free. For more information, visit swflcharitiesfoundation.com.
To learn more about Premier Mobile Health Services or schedule an appointment, call 239-288-7949. Additional information and the monthly mobile clinic schedule can be found online at premiermobilehealth.org.
Club Square is the area between Southeast 47th Terrace and Southeast 10th Place in downtown Cape Coral.
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Charity chili cook-off set for Sunday
‘Heartbreaking’ | Mom shares Kayla’s story
Cape Coral Touch A Truck | Fundraiser set for Saturday
Best empanadas in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples? Here are our 6 favorites — JLB
Robyn Georgehttps://www.news-press.com/story/life/food/2024/04/04/six-best-restaurants-empanadas-fort-myers-cape-coral-naples-florida/73170808007/
We here in JLB land don’t pay much attention to national food days.Sure, we’ll share our favorite slices with you on National Pizza Day in February. And we can’t wait for May when it’s National ...
We here in JLB land don’t pay much attention to national food days.
Sure, we’ll share our favorite slices with you on National Pizza Day in February. And we can’t wait for May when it’s National Burger Month.
With two national days, doughnuts pique our interest in June and November. And on Nov. 3, we gladly wrap up our favorite handhelds for National Sandwich Day.
While that might seem like a lot, we don’t cover many, including mint julip, muffin, martini, meatball, Malbec, maple syrup and mulled cider days.
But April 8 is a day we won’t overlook.
We love, love, love empanadas and we’re certainly not the only ones.
Pilar and Pedro Correch are all about these hand-sized pockets of joy.
They own and run two stores year-round — Pilar’s Empanadas Argentinas & More in Fort Myers and Venice — and they're vendors at 14 different farmers markets during season.
“At peak, we make 10,000 a week,” Pedro said. “But it fluctuates. It slows down to maybe 500 a week in the summer.”
The duo will take the show on the road in May to offset those dog days.
“We will be doing nine farmers markets on the western shore of Michigan for five months,” Pedro said. “From Muskegon to Saugatuck and a couple in Grand Rapids.”
Why Michigan?
“Most of our snowbirds come from the Midwest,” Pedro said, “and more than half from Michigan. They kept telling us we have to go there. So we decided, yes. We’re going to be back and forth. Two of our kids will come help and two will stay here.”
They’re taking two food trailers and will rent a kitchen and cold storage space up there. Pedro is a pilot, making it easier for the family to fly back and forth.
“This doesn’t mean we’re abandoning here,” Pedro said. “This is just the perfect complement for what we do here. We’re just keeping our business growing.”
And that’s great news for us.
Pilar’s empanadas — traditional, gluten-free, vegan and plant-based — are some of the best around.
She uses wheat flour, oil, water "and a lot of love,” in her scratch-made dough that comes out crispy, golden and never greasy.
“The best-selling overall is still the traditional beef (with onions, green olives, raisins and hard-boiled egg),” Pedro said. “But my favorite is the Amazing.”
He said all of the empanadas are gourmet, but in October, five specialty ones were added, including the Amazing Empanada.
My go-to was always the slightly tangy chopped chicken with onions and a hint of barbecue sauce.
Then I had the aptly named and richly flavored Amazing Empanada with a brie and fig compote filling.
If I had to pick one empanada to eat for the rest of my life, it would be this surprisingly lovely one.
“I usually create these crazy things and Pilar makes them,” Pedro said. “When I tried this one, I told her we didn’t need to change anything.”
They actually don’t need to change anything at all. Ever.
“We’ve been doing the empanadas the same way since we started in 2015,” Pedro said. “We are proud to be consistent. All we do is add new flavors.”
In case you missed it:New Cape Coral pizza business opens with pies, slices and subs on the go
There's a lot to choose from — spicy and traditional beef, ham & cheese, bacon & plum, blue cheese, caprese, lentil & potatoes, braised lamb with carrot, Argentinean sausage, beef & melted cheeses and more.
It's enough for Florida and Michigan empanada lovers to share. (1850 Boy Scout Drive, No. 106, Fort Myers; 239-201-7078; pilarsempanadas.net and on Facebook and Instagram)
Here are five more of our favorite restaurants worthy of National Empanada Day:
Café YOU
Empanadas aren’t on the regular menu at this vegan-and-gluten-free-friendly coffee shop/bakery/fine-dining restaurant in Cape Coral. Lucky for us, they keep a supply of frozen ones in stock, including breakfast (with egg, potato, bacon, white cheddar cheese and spices), spinach & ricotta and sweet potato, apple & chickpea. (They also have gluten-free and vegan granola, power balls and frozen meals, plus burger patties and soups in that treasure trove of a freezer).
There’s also Martin’s magnificent meat — named after the café’s barista and empanada guru — which are actually magnificent. The beef, onion, raisin and spice mixture has a bold flavor, making it our favorite meat empanada around. The chef-made empanadas cost $18 for a bag of six. (1423 SE 10th St., Unit 1A, Cape Coral; 239-600-0966; cafeyou2.wordpress.com and on Facebook and Instagram)
Yessy Cuban Bakery
This Fort Myers gem was already on our radar for one of our favorite Cuban sandwiches. Then we tried the empanadas. There’s a good lineup – chicken, beef, sausage & cheese, pizza and ham & cheese. While they’re all solid choices, we love the creamy smooth spinach & cheese. One bite and you may too. The good-sized empanadas cost $2.95 plus tax each. (3805 Fowler St., Fort Myers; 239-204-9521)
Ori’s Bakery & Café
This 9-month-old café is one of the most fun-tastic for baked-from-scratch empanadas with one pastry showcase lovingly dedicated to them. Feeling breakfasty? There’s a bacon & egg, sausage & egg or a ham & cheese option. Want lunchy and later items? That’s when caprese, BBQ pork, mac n’ cheese and a bacon, blue cheese dates & mozzarella empanada could work. Want simple? Spinach, mushroom, beef and chicken are standing by. There’s even grouper and crab for an extra $2 each. Of the 15 flavors ($5.25 each or buy 11 and get 1 free), the majority are available in gluten-free. (945 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; 239-450-4062; oriscafe.com and on Facebook and Instagram)
Macanudo Mate
In between getting your tarot cards read and shoe shopping, there’s a marvelous selection of empanadas here. Choose between sweet and savory, lighter and heavier with options like cherry, apple, Nutella and meatball, Cuban and pizza empanada. Before opening this welcoming shop in August 2022, chef Mike Picerno and his wife Christine owned a similar business in Chicago. (5417 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples; 239-325-8173; macanudomate.com and on Facebook and Instagram)
Unidos Latin Kitchen + Bar
This Latin fusion restaurant will celebrate the day with two kinds of empanadas on April 8. Verdura Empanadas, a chef’s special, are full of spinach, garlic and Chihuahua and Oaxaca cheeses, while Unidos Empanadas have shredded beef, sweet plantains and Chihuahua cheese.
“We take pride in its commitment to providing a genuine taste of Latin America at Unidos — honoring tradition while embracing innovation,” co-owner Carlos Angel said in a news release. “Our empanadas are a testament to this commitment with a nod to the authenticity of the dish’s origins and a creative twist.”
Empanadas are two for $12 on National Empanada Day (1 Ninth St. S, Naples; 239-331-3668; unidosrestaurant.com, Instagram)
Jean Le Boeuf is the brand under which our restaurant critics have written for more than 40 years. This article came from staff writer Robyn George. Connect: rhgeorge@gannett.com.
10-foot great white shark, tracked by OCEARCH, pings off Florida, near Cape Coral
Kim Lucianihttps://www.news-press.com/story/news/2024/03/04/great-white-shark-rose-ocearch-ping-swfl-florida-coast-again-cape-coral/72837478007/
Southwest Florida waters had a visit from a "snowbird" of the seas Sunday.A great white shark, tagged by the research group OCEARCH, pinged far off the Cape Coral coast at 12:33 p.m.The 1...
Southwest Florida waters had a visit from a "snowbird" of the seas Sunday.
A great white shark, tagged by the research group OCEARCH, pinged far off the Cape Coral coast at 12:33 p.m.
The 10-foot 5-inch shark, nicknamed Rose, has a satellite tag attached to her dorsal fin which emits a ping when it breaks the water's surface and sends her location to trackers.
Rose was previously tracked off the Treasure Coast Feb. 17 and 18 and Boynton Beach Feb. 19. Her tracker shows Rose has spent her winters around Florida since 2021, including the Gulf of Mexico in 2022 and 2023. She has traveled 15,405 miles since she was tagged by scientists in 2020.
Here's what to know about Rose, other sharks around Southwest Florida, OCEARCH and white sharks in Florida:
What to know about OCEARCH great white shark Rose
White shark Rose was tagged by OCEARCH scientists on Oct. 4, 2020 off Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
At the time, she measured 10 feet 5 inches, weighed 600 pounds and was classified as a juvenile shark.
Great white sharks can grow up to 20 feet long, but most are smaller with adult females averaging 15-16 feet long and males reaching 11-13 feet.
According to OCEARCH, she was named after Rose Bay near where she was tagged.
White shark Keji visits off Marco Island twice
An OCEARCH great white shark nicknamed Keji pinged off Marco Island on Feb. 4 and Feb 16.
Keji's tracked pings also show him near the Florida Keys on Dec. 13, and southeast of St. Augustine on Nov. 30.
According to his tracker, Keji swam to the Panhandle in early 2023 and also wintered around Florida in 2021 and 2022.
Keji was tagged by OCEARCH near Ironbound Island Nova Scotia on Sep. 22, 2021. At the time, the male juvenile white shark measured 9 feet 7 inches and weighed 578 pounds.
Keji was named after the Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in the region where he was tagged, according to OCEARCH.
White shark Penny tracked off Marco Island, Cape Coral, Sarasota in January
A 10-foot great white shark named Penny was tracked off Marco Island Jan. 6, off Sarasota on Jan. 11 and Cape Coral Jan. 15.
This is Penny's first trip to Florida since she was tagged. Once she was tagged, Penny traveled north to Nova Scotia before starting her migration south in late October.
Penny measured 10 feet 3 inches and weighed 522 pounds when she was tagged on April 23, 2023, off Ocracoke, North Carolina.
Great white shark Andromache pinged often in Southwest Florida waters
White shark Andromache hung around the Southwest Florida coast in November and December.
The shark pinged off Marco Island on Nov. 16 and Nov. 21, off Naples on Dec. 15 and Dec. 20, 21 and 23 and off Venice Dec. 30.
She was 10 feet 8 inches long, weighed 341 pounds and was classified as a juvenile when OCEARCH tagged her on Aug. 9, 2020, off Cape Cod.
Andromache also wintered in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico in 2022. She pinged off Southwest Florida in November of 2022 and traveled to the Panhandle in early December before heading back north.
Great white shark facts
Things to know about white sharks, according to NOAA Fisheries:
Why are great white sharks in Florida?
White sharks migrate south when the water gets cold and food sources become scarce up north, according to OCEARCH chief scientist Dr. Bob Hueter.
Think of them as the snowbirds of sharks.
Most of them tend to stay away from the beaches in continental shelf waters, Hueter said.
What is OCEARCH?
OCEARCH is a nonprofit research organization studying the ocean's giants.
The group studies great white sharks and other keystone species essential for the health of the oceans.
OCEARCH recently finished up its 46th expedition, dubbed Expedition Southeast. It departed from Jacksonville on Nov. 17 and made its final docking in Morehead City, North Carolina on Dec. 15.
During the expeditions, researchers collected previously unattainable data on the animals' migrations, reproductive cycle, genetic status, diet, abundance, and more.
"If we lose the apex predator (sharks) then we lose all our fish and then there are no fish sandwiches for our grandchildren," OCEARCH founder Chris Fischer told the Courier Journal. "That's oversimplified, of course, but the idea is important because many shark species are threatened by overfishing and a demand for shark fins in Asia. Their dwindling numbers jeopardize ocean habitats."
Most shark attacks happen in Florida
There were 69 documented unprovoked shark attacks around the globe in 2023. The U.S. led the world with 36 attacks and Florida again was the state with the most bites at 16.
Florida shark attacks by county:
While the U.S. has the most attacks, South Africa has the most shark-related fatalities.
Since 1992, there have been 1,232 shark bites worldwide, according to data from floridapanhandle.com, with white sharks credited as the top biters.
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Best Internet Providers in Cape Coral, Florida
CNEThttps://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-cape-coral-fl/
What is the best internet provider in Cape Coral?CNET's pick for the best internet service provider for most Cape Coral households is Quantum Fiber. Although this ISP doesn't offer the widest coverage -- that would be Xfinity -- Quantum Fiber's symmetrical speeds and simple service details make it an enticing option for home internet. However, if Quantum Fiber isn't available at your address, Xfinity or Verizon 5G Home Internet might be.Xfinity offers the cheapest prices and fastest speeds f...
What is the best internet provider in Cape Coral?
CNET's pick for the best internet service provider for most Cape Coral households is Quantum Fiber. Although this ISP doesn't offer the widest coverage -- that would be Xfinity -- Quantum Fiber's symmetrical speeds and simple service details make it an enticing option for home internet. However, if Quantum Fiber isn't available at your address, Xfinity or Verizon 5G Home Internet might be.
Xfinity offers the cheapest prices and fastest speeds for broadband in Cape Coral if those are factors you're considering when choosing a provider. For $20 per month, customers can hit download speeds up to 75 megabits per second with Xfinity Connect. The speediest plan in Cape Coral is Xfinity Gigabit X2, which costs $100 and includes equipment and unlimited data.
Our methodology
CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Cape Coral across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.
Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider's website.
Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in Cape Coral. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Discounts and promotions might also be available for signing a term contract or bundling multiple services.
To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.
Best internet in Cape Coral, Florida, in 2024
3 Internet providers
Best internet provider in Cape Coral, FL
Our take - Placing as an honorable mention on CNET's list of the best internet providers for 2024, Quantum Fiber offers two plans under its network: $50 for 500Mbps and $75 for 940Mbps. While it doesn't offer the cheapest or fastest service in Cape Coral, Quantum Fiber guarantees symmetrical upload and download speeds, unlimited data and no equipment fees or required contracts.
...
Check with Quantum
Compare
Connection
Fiber
Speed range
200 - 8,000 Mbps
Price range
$30 - $165 per month
Show more details
Broadest coverage in Cape Coral, FL
Our take - FCC data shows that Xfinity is available to over 98% of households, making it the most widely available ISP in Cape Coral. In addition to its coverage, Xfinity offers the cheapest and fastest plans in the area -- $20 for 75Mbps and $100 for 2,000Mbps. Just make sure to watch out for a 1.2TB data cap and a one- or two-year contract on most plans.
Check with Xfinity
Compare
Connection
Cable
Speed range
150 - 6,000 Mbps
Price range
$20 - $300 per month
Show more details
Best fixed wireless internet in Cape Coral, FL
Our take - Although Verizon 5G Home Internet isn't an option for many Cape Coral addresses, it's worth checking to see if your location is serviceable. With Verizon 5G Home Internet, you can get speeds up to 1,000Mbps for $70 or 300Mbps for $50, with no data caps or yearly commitments. Plus, you might be able to save $15 to $25 each month if you're a qualifying mobile customer.
..
Check with Verizon
Compare
Connection
Fixed wireless
Speed range
85 - 1,000 Mbps
Show more details
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Cape Coral
The best internet deals and top promotions in Cape Coral depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Cape Coral internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, however, such as Quantum Fiber and Verizon, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Cape Coral
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Disclaimer:
