Age gracefully on your own terms with Home Care from Mind & Mobility

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Your top choice for compassionateIn-Home Care in Clearwater, 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 Clearwater, 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.

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Home Care Clearwater, FL

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 Clearwater, 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 Clearwater, 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
 Senior Care Clearwater, FL
 In-home Care Clearwater, FL

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 Clearwater, 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.

  Senior Caregivers Clearwater, FL

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.

 Companion Care Clearwater, FL

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.

Home Care Clearwater, FL

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 Clearwater, 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 Clearwater, FL who would be happy to provide you or your senior with last-minute support.

 Senior Care Clearwater, FL
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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 Clearwater, 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.

 In-home Care Clearwater, FL

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.

Enough Support

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.

Enough Sleep

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.

Enough Privacy

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 Clearwater, 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:

Mind & Mobility caregivers will assist and supervise your loved one as they walk around their home, helping to avoid accidents. Our caregivers can also help perform light housekeeping chores, which include picking or cleaning up potential trip hazards that seniors may not see.

When an older adult has Parkinson’s, preparing and cooking meals can be truly difficult. A non-medical in-home caregiver will help assist with meal prep and can even help your loved one eat if they’re having a tremor episode. Since medications for Parkinson’s often causes dry mouth, our caregivers will also ensure that your senior stays well hydrated to avoid dehydration.

Staying fit can be hard when you have Parkinson’s, but being physically active is important to focus on as the disease progresses. Our caregivers help seniors with Parkinson’s start and complete activities like mobility exercises that your doctor may recommend.

Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease can be emotionally draining and physically exhausting. We provide respite care for family caregivers and peace of mind for every member of your care network, from close friends to family members.

At Mind & Mobility, our approach to non-medical Parkinson's care starts by having a complete understanding of your situation. To do that, we set up a care consultation where we learn more about you, your senior, and the scope of care needed. This important step helps us confirm that having an in-home caregiver is a good fit for your senior.

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.

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Compassionate

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?”

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.

Alzheimer’s patients have specific physical and mental needs and require ongoing engagement. Clinical studies have shown that engaging in familiar activities at home could help slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s, especially when compared to long bouts of inactivity. Our caregivers understand that fact and take the necessary time to interact with your senior loved one in a purposeful, gentle manner.

An Alzheimer’s caregiver from Mind & Mobility provides assistance with day-to-day living service, prioritizing one-on-one attention and interaction, which is key to providing the best dementia and Alzheimer's care possible. Some of the tasks our caregivers help with include the following:
  • 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

At Mind & Mobility, our non-medical Alzheimer's caregivers know how to mentally engage dementia patients. Some of the activities that provide active mental stimulation include the following:
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Reading
  • Viewing Family Photos
  • Playing Board Games Like Bingo
  • Singing Songs
  • Figuring Out Jigsaw Puzzles
  • Listening to Music
  • Much More
Our caregivers always take a supportive, flexible approach to your senior’s Alzheimer's care and understand that this disease affects each person differently. That’s why we offer a range of mental stimulation activities that keep seniors engaged so that their neurons continue to fire.

The impact of Alzheimer's Disease often involves a decline in mental cognition while the body remains seemingly strong. Inactivity can lead to a decline in overall health, potentially resulting in complex medical issues or life-threatening infections. It is crucial to keep individuals with Alzheimer's active and moving to maintain their current health for as long as possible. Our experienced caregivers understand that each patient's level of activity depends on their physical capabilities. For instance, a person in a wheelchair may engage in modified sitting exercises. We assess each situation and promote moderate activity to keep individuals physically engaged, which in turn supports cognitive function. A few of the most common physical activities our caregivers provide for Alzheimer’s patients include:
  • Going on Walks
  • Swimming
  • Bed Exercises
  • Standing Exercises
  • Seated Exercises
  • Grocery Shopping
  • Light Household Chores
  • Gardening
  • Dancing
  • Much More
We understand that caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia can be demanding and overwhelming for caregivers. That’s why we offer adaptable Alzheimer’s care assistance – to help alleviate your caregiving responsibilities for a temporary or extended duration when you need it most. Contact Mind & Mobility today to learn more about in-home care for your loved one with Alzheimer's Disease.
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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

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Latest News in Clearwater, FL

It's BKFC Fight Week in Clearwater, FL!

We're counting down the seconds until Friday night, when BKFC Fight Night Clearwater rocks Bert's Barracuda Harley-Davidson in Clearwater, FL, LIVE worldwide on The BKFC App.In Friday’s Main Event, former BKFC World Champion Mike "The Marine" Richman makes his highly anticipated return to the Squared Circle against Erick “El Travieso” Lozano in a must-see light-heavyweight matchup.“The Marine” is one of the most respected and game fighters in BKFC history...

We're counting down the seconds until Friday night, when BKFC Fight Night Clearwater rocks Bert's Barracuda Harley-Davidson in Clearwater, FL, LIVE worldwide on The BKFC App.

In Friday’s Main Event, former BKFC World Champion Mike "The Marine" Richman makes his highly anticipated return to the Squared Circle against Erick “El Travieso” Lozano in a must-see light-heavyweight matchup.

“The Marine” is one of the most respected and game fighters in BKFC history, and he's hungry to smash his way back into the win column against Lozano, a fighter prepared to shock the world with his third KO under the BKFC banner. Richman’s five bare knuckle victories complement an impressive resume in professional MMA. He was undefeated in bare knuckle, with all of his wins coming by stoppage, before enduring back-to-back losses to BKFC World Middleweight Champion David Mundell and Lorenzo Hunt, the BKFC World Champion in the Light-Heavyweight and Cruiserweight divisions.

Lozano, who also comes from an extensive MMA background, has never said no to a fight. His BKFC body of work includes a 54-second KO over former BKFC Champion Francesco Ricchi and a loss to Hunt in his Squared Circle debut. The former football standout can’t wait to enter the ring against another legend in Richman.

Major rankings implications are on the line in Friday's Co-Main Event showdown between top welterweights Ja'Far Fortt “Knox” and former BKFC World Champion Elvin “El Bandido” Brito. Fortt has looked sensational in his first three trips to the Squared Circle – all KOs, two in less than 30 seconds – but Brito is doubtless his stiffest challenge yet. A true OG of the Squared Circle, Brito made his bare knuckle debut at BKFC 3 in 2018. He’s faced the best of the best in his nine BKFC fights, and he’s jumping right back into the fire against the fast-rising Fortt.

The winner of Friday's Feature Fight very well may be the next man to challenge BKFC World Flyweight Champion John Dodson for his crown at 125 pounds. JR “The Lion” Ridge has earned the No. 1 contender spot in the division, while Tyler Randall occupies the No. 2 contender spot. On Friday, they lock horns – and they’re both eager to stake their claim as the next challenger to Dodson’s crown later this year. The bustling BKFC flyweight division is quickly becoming one of the most exciting weight classes in the organization; don’t blink on Friday.

Also on Friday's must-see event is a can't-miss battle between Travis “The Animal” Thompson, the No. 5 contender in the BKFC bantamweight division, and Abdiel “The Nightmare” Velazquez, as well as an exciting mix of top prospects like Jessica "The Black Widow" Borga, Mike Heckert, Zach “Lil Mac” Pannell, and established fan-favorites like Jay "Action" Jackson and Idrees “Grumpy Bear” Wasi, and much more, LIVE on The BKFC App.

Will the solar eclipse be seen in Florida? Sort of, with these viewing parties

Even though Florida isn’t in the sweet spot in the middle of the country where folks can witness a total solar eclipse on April 8, we will still experience a partial eclipse that day, and there are some viewing parties planned in the Tampa Bay area.There will be a celebration on Clearwater Beach, an educational setup at St. Petersburg College and special solar telescopes available at Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry, among others. Just be sure to have safety in mind and protect your eyes, scientists warn.Betwe...

Even though Florida isn’t in the sweet spot in the middle of the country where folks can witness a total solar eclipse on April 8, we will still experience a partial eclipse that day, and there are some viewing parties planned in the Tampa Bay area.

There will be a celebration on Clearwater Beach, an educational setup at St. Petersburg College and special solar telescopes available at Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry, among others. Just be sure to have safety in mind and protect your eyes, scientists warn.

Between about 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. that day, the path of the eclipse will move from Mexico and proceed northwest across the United States. The moon is going to pass in front of the sun, bringing a few minutes of darkness similar to dusk.

Prime viewing will be in a swath across the Midwest, including the cities of Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo and Montreal. But we won’t be totally left out in Florida.

“Here in St. Petersburg, we will see a partial eclipse, with 65% of the sun covered by the moon at eclipse maximum,” said St. Petersburg College professor Craig Joseph, who heads SPC’s planetarium. “Because only a portion of the sun will be covered, this unique event can be viewed only if special precautions are taken to reduce the sun’s brilliance to safe levels.”

The college will host a viewing of the eclipse on April 8 between 1:30 and 4 p.m., where they will supply eclipse viewers and telescopes with solar filters. They will be set up in the “quad” area of the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus, near the southwest entrance of the West St. Petersburg Library at 6700 Eighth Ave. N.

Joseph said the bay area will notice things changing at 1:43 p.m. when the moon first touches the sun’s disk.

“Over the next 77 minutes, more and more of the sun will be covered by the moon, with mid-eclipse occurring just before 3 p.m.,” Joseph said, adding that the last of it will end at 4:14 p.m.

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival will team up for a special viewing party on Clearwater Beach. Beachgoers can pick up free eclipse glasses at the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater booth at the Sugar Sand Festival starting at noon.

“It is bound to create a special viewing experience during our picturesque springtime sunshine,” an announcement said.

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The Sugar Sand Festival, an annual sand sculpting event that runs March 29-April 14, will have a special live sand sculpting display that day to celebrate the total solar eclipse.

“The eclipse gives us the perfect opportunity to host a unique watch party,” said Steve Grimes, chief marketing office for the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater tourism bureau.

The Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa will host a Solar Eclipse Celebration in its outdoor Science Park on April 8 from 1:30-4 p.m. that is included with MOSI admission. They will supply sun-safe solar telescopes with guidance from MOSI astronomers at 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa.

There will also be hands-on eclipse activities led by educators in the Primary Colors Amphitheatre, and worldwide live streams of the eclipse will be on televisions in the museum. And at the eclipse viewing in Science Park, guests can view the eclipse with glasses that can be purchased for $5.

Because the moon is closer to Earth than it was during the 2017 solar eclipse, it will appear slightly larger, resulting in a prolonged period of totality and darkness, NASA points out. The 2017 event lasted around 2 minutes and 40 seconds, while the 2024 eclipse will result in a prolonged period of totality and darkness closer to 4 minutes depending on your location.

“In Florida, we’re not in the path of totality, but we will certainly see a change if we view the sun safely,” said MOSI educator José Cotayo. “From our point of view in Tampa Bay, the moon will block more than 60% of the sun’s solar disk. Remember, it’s never safe to look directly at the sun — even during an eclipse — without appropriate safety gear.”

Other viewing parties in the area include:

Safety Harbor Public Library: There will be a viewing party at Safety Harbor Waterfront Park from 1:30-4 p.m. The library will be passing out free eclipse glasses. 105 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor.

Hillsborough County Public libraries: There are multiple libraries streaming the eclipse from NASA TV from 1-3:15 p.m. including: John F. Germany Public Library, SouthShore Regional Library, Egypt Lake Partnership Library. In addition, library programs include:

Seminole Community Library: Bring chairs, blankets and make a picnic to watch the eclipse behind the library at the St. Petersburg College Seminole Campus, 9200 113th St. N. One pair of eclipse glasses per person for ages 3 and up while supplies last.

Crescent Lake Park: Great Explorations Children’s Museum is hosting a Solar Eclipse Day in which they will explore outer space from inside its planetarium starting at 10:30 a.m. and witness the eclipse in person across the street at Crescent Lake Park starting at 2:45 p.m. (weather permitting). Admission is $12; $15 for age 1-17. 1925 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg.

When baby boomers move, they often head to Florida. This city is their top destination

Samantha NeelyWith baby boomers now entering their retirement years, many are taking the chance to relocate to a new city that's more suitable for their new cash flows and routines.Financial technology company...

Samantha Neely

With baby boomers now entering their retirement years, many are taking the chance to relocate to a new city that's more suitable for their new cash flows and routines.

Financial technology company SmartAsset tracked down the cities that baby boomers are retiring to, with multiple Florida cities seeing top spots in their list.

Experts said they examined Census Bureau data for 268 of the largest U.S. cities to see where people between the ages of 55 and 74 are moving. Cities are ranked by the rate at which baby boomers moved in in 2022.

What is the top city baby boomers are relocating to?

Look out west-central Florida, the baby boomers are heading right for you!

Baby boomers who moved to Clearwater in 2022 accounted for 3.79% of the city's total population. 4,401 people from this age group moved into the city. Overall, the 31,349 baby boomers living in Clearwater made up 27.0% of the city’s total population over the age of 1.

What other Florida cities made the list for top cities for baby boomers to retire to?

Orlando, 3rd: The city on the doorstep of Disney World saw the third slot on the list, with the city welcoming 9,458 new residents from the baby boomer generation in 2022. Those newcomers accounted for 3.02% of the city’s total population over the age of 1. Boomers now comprise 16.6% of the Orlando community, with a total of 51,927 individuals.

Cape Coral, 4th: The Southwest Florida city nabbed the fourth slot, baby boomers making up 2.90% of the city’s total population over the age of 1. A total of 6,233 people from this age group moved into the city that year, as baby boomers made up 29.9% of the overall population.

St. Petersburg, 10th: A total of 6,903 baby boomers moved to St. Petersburg in 2022, accounting for 2.67% of the total population over the age of 1. That year, 66,631 baby boomers – 25.75% of all residents over the age of 1 – called St. Petersburg home.

Top 10 cities baby boomers are retiring or moving to

Cities were ranked by the rate at which people aged 55 to 74 who moved in in 2022:

What tips do SmartAsset experts have for retirement planning?

As baby boomers begin their migration to Florida, experts from SmartAsset shared their tips for those ready to begin their retirement journey:

Solar Eclipse Weather Forecast For FL: Will It Be Clear?

After a rainy start to the week, hopes are high that the skies will clear for Monday's historic partial eclipse across Florida.Deb Belt, Patch StaffMARYLAND — The National Weather Service forecast is promising for Maryland for Monday’s total solar eclipse. Various weather outlets...

After a rainy start to the week, hopes are high that the skies will clear for Monday's historic partial eclipse across Florida.

Deb Belt, Patch Staff

MARYLAND — The National Weather Service forecast is promising for Maryland for Monday’s total solar eclipse. Various weather outlets have disagreed on what to expect for cloud cover on April 8, so keep checking the forecast.

The U.S. path of totality extends from Texas to Maine, with the moon shrouding the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. Everyone in the continental U.S. will see some of the phenomenon.

Totality will last twice as long as in the coast-to-coast solar eclipse in 2017, and the number of people in the path of totality — an estimated 32 million people — is much greater. It will be 20 years before North America sees a total solar eclipse, making this a must-see event.

In Tampa Bay, the moon will shroud about 58 percent of the sun at the peak of the eclipse, according to a searchable NASA map. In Miami, the eclipse will be about 46 percent at its peak.

The National Weather Service is currently forecasting mostly clear skies for Tampa Bay and the Miami region Monday, when the partial eclipse begins. Here are the eclipse times:

Find out what's happening in Bradentonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The eclipse will last about 2 hours and 31 minutes from beginning to end in Tampa.

Most forecast models for eclipse day suggest the best eclipse weather will be in the Northeast. The National Weather Service makes daily updates to its cloud cover forecasts along the path of totality.

Related:

AccuWeather says both the Miami and Tampa regions should have great eclipse-viewing weather.

"The best locations for viewing should be across the interior Southwest, New England and parts of the mid-Atlantic, especially east of the Appalachians," forecaster Paul Pastelok said. "Cities like Philadelphia, Washington D.C. New York City and Raleigh should all have great views."

The Weather Channel says much of the Eastern Seaboard, from Maine to the eastern Carolinas, may have less cloud cover Monday.

Importantly, forecasting something as specific as cloud cover is “difficult to sort out, if not impossible,” Chris Buonanno, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Little Rock, told CNN.

Forecasters at The Weather Channel said northern New England looks to be the best bet for clear skies during totality, and that the Eastern Seaboard from the Carolinas to Maine should have decent visibility. Chances for good visibility are about 50/50 in states such as Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, the forecast suggests.

Pop-up showers in the Midwest could be a nuisance but chances overall to see the eclipse are fairly good, while the rest of the country could have to deal with cloud cover in the afternoon, according to the outlook.

AccuWeather said in its week–out forecast Monday that most areas in the path of totality will have to contend with at least some cloud cover. The best locations for viewing appear to be in the Southwest and East, including in cities such as Albuquerque; Raleigh, North Carolina; Philadelphia, New York City; and Washington, D.C.

Forecasters also suggest high clouds could obscure views in the Great Lakes area, and that clouds may develop in southern California and southeast Arizona.

The poorest viewing conditions appear to be from Missouri and Kansas southward into central and east Texas. Poor viewing conditions are also expected from Wisconsin westward through South Dakota and Nebraska to Washington, according to AccuWeather.

If you don’t have the necessary solar eclipse glasses to safely view the spectacle, or if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can watch a NASA livestream from several cities along the path of totality.

A total eclipse occurs when the moon lines up perfectly between Earth and the sun at midday, blotting out the sunlight. The full eclipse will last longer than usual because the moon will be just 223,000 miles from Earth, one of the year’s closest approaches.

The moon’s shadow will slice a diagonal line from the southwest to the northeast across North America, briefly plunging communities along the track into darkness. Totality will enter the continent at Mazatlan, Mexico, and exit at Newfoundland in Canada. In between, 15 U.S. states from Texas to Maine will experience totality, including snippets of Tennessee and Michigan. It will be a repeat for Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Carbondale, Illinois, which were also in prime position for 2017’s total solar eclipse.

The closer the moon is to Earth, the bigger it is in the sky from our perspective, resulting in an especially long and intense period of sun-blocked darkness. Totality will last the longest over Mexico at 4 minutes, 28 seconds. Elsewhere along the track, like in Syracuse, New York, totality will last just 1 ½ minutes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Will I See The Total Solar Eclipse In Clearwater?

Though FL isn't in the path of totality, excitement is building in Clearwater for the April 8 solar eclipse. Tiffany Razzano, Patch StaffCLEARWATER, FL — Excitement is building in Clearwater for the April 8 total solar eclipse. We’re not among some 32 million Americans living in the path of totality, but neither will we miss out on the celestial sensation.In the United States, the path of totality extend...

Though FL isn't in the path of totality, excitement is building in Clearwater for the April 8 solar eclipse.

Tiffany Razzano, Patch Staff

CLEARWATER, FL — Excitement is building in Clearwater for the April 8 total solar eclipse. We’re not among some 32 million Americans living in the path of totality, but neither will we miss out on the celestial sensation.

In the United States, the path of totality extends from Texas to Maine, but each of the 48 continental states will see some of the solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon slips between our bright star and Earth. In Clearwater, the moon will cover about 57.9 percent of the sun at the peak of the eclipse, according to a NASA map that is searchable by ZIP code.

Here are the details:Partial eclipse begins: 1:43 p.m.Maximum: 2:59 p.m.Partial ends: 4:14 p.m.

The eclipse will last about 2 hours and 31 minutes from beginning to end in Clearwater.

Various organizations and venues are hosting eclipse-viewing events throughout the greater Tampa Bay area, including:

Find out what's happening in Clearwaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Great Explorations Children’s Museum, St. Petersburg

The museum will organize a group viewing of the eclipse at Crescent Lake Park at 2:45 p.m. After the eclipse, attendees are encouraged to explore the museum’s planetarium, which offers free entry to members that day. Non-members will pay a standard fee.

Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative

Various libraries in the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will stream the eclipse on NASA TV starting at 1:35 p.m. These include:

The Arthenia L. Joyner Library will host a viewing party for children ages 6 to 12.

The 78th Street Library will also stream the movie “Dune” from 3 to 6 p.m.

James Weldon Johnson Community Library, St. Petersburg

This eclipse viewing party includes crafts and activities, such as constructing a viewer and experiments with UV beads. A limited number of eclipse glasses will be available.

Museum of Science and Industry, Tampa

There will be hands-on activities starting at 2 p.m. in the Primary Colors Amphitheater. Each ticket includes a pair of solar eclipse glasses. Cost is $18.50 per adult and $14.50 per child.

North Greenwood Library, Clearwater

The library will begin distributing eclipse-viewing glasses at 1:45 p.m.

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, Clearwater

The first 2,500 people at this viewing party on Clearwater Beach will receive collectible eclipse glasses.

Pinellas County Library Cooperative

Various libraries in the Pinellas County Library Cooperative are hosting eclipse viewing parties, including:

St. Petersburg College Planetarium at the Gibbs Campus in St. Petersburg

The SPC planetarium will host a free public viewing of the eclipse. Eclipse viewers and specially equipped telescopes will be available in the “quad” area of the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus, near the Natural Science building, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Right now, it looks like we could have a clear day with no chance of rain and low cloud coverage for the big event, according to NASA.

The total solar eclipse starts in Mexico, entering the United States in Texas and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as small parts of Tennessee and Michigan, before entering Canada in southern Ontario through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton before exiting continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada.

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