(855) 389-5936
Courtesy Kia of Brandon
1728 W. Brandon Blvd Brandon, FL 33511 | BrandonKia.com
2014 KIA SOUL
Starting at $13,488 or lease from $99/mo
GRAND OPENING NEW LOCATION
2014 KIA OPTIMA
ALL VEHICLES COME WITH A 10 YEAR 100,000 MILE WARRANTY
Starting at $18,988 or lease from $149/mo
CERTIFIED 2014 KIA CADENZA Only 6k miles Was $45,988 Now only $33,988 Save $12,000!
9205 E Adamo Dr Tampa, FL 33619
RATES AS LOW AS 0% FOR UP TO 72 MONTHS!
ALL CREDIT APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED REGARDLESS OF CREDIT WE WILL PAY OFF YOUR TRADE NO MATTER WHAT YOU OWE!
2014 Kia Rio LX Sale Price $13,750
400 military and 400 college grad rebate and 500 Kia cash. MSRP $15,915
2015 Kia Forte LX Sale Price $13,995
400 military and 400 college grad rebate. Must finance with Kia Finance. Lease for $169 per month. MSRP $17,145
2014 Kia Optima LX Sale Price $18,984
2014 Kia Sportage LX Sale Price $19,993
2015 Kia Sorrento LX Sale Price $22,980
2014 Kia Sedona Sale Price $23,788
2014 Kia Cadenza Sale Price $29,988
2015 Kia K900 Sale Price $54,982
includes 400 military and 400 college grad rebate. MSRP $25,295
includes 400 military and 400 college grad rebate. MSRP $22,930
400 military and 400 college grad rebate. includes 400 military and Lease from $599 per month. 400 college grad rebate. MSRP $60,455 Leases start at $399 per month for 36 months. MSRP $36,080 ALL LEASES $3000 DUE AT LEASE INCEPTION 12K MILES PER YEAR 36 MONTH MUST QUALIFY THROUGH KIA FINANCIAL. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS
2
AUGUST 2014 thefocusmagazine.com
includes $3000 in rebates. Must finance with Kia and be a current Kia owner. MSRP $28,724
includes 400 military and 400 college grad rebate. Must finance with Kia Finance. Lease for $199 per month. MSRP $22,870
FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2014
3
4
AUGUST 2014 thefocusmagazine.com
AUGUST 01
FRIDAY
Tax Free Shopping Enjoy tax free shopping on school supplies that fall into the categories of clothing, supplies, and computers for the 2014-15 school year at multiple locations around Brandon, including the Westfield mall. Tax Free Shopping ends on Sunday, August 3.
02 SATURDAY Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Charity thrift sales help refresh ECHO’s stock and raise money for the center. All are welcome and encouraged to purchase discounted overstock clothing and small household items. For more information, contact ECHO at 813-685-0935. Peppa Pig Meet and Greet Westfield Brandon | 2 to 5 p.m. 459 Brandon Town Center, Brandon Westfield Brandon is offering the special opportunity to meet and greet Peppa Pig right in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods. Don’t forget to bring your cameras. Cost is free.
05 TUESDAY Chick-fil-A Summer Fun Flicks AMC Regency 20 Theatre | 10 a.m. 2496 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon Kids can enjoy “The Spongebob Squarepants Movie” at the movie theater for just $1. AMC Kids’ Packs of popcorn and a drink will be available for $4. Proceeds benefit ECHO and local YMCAs. For more information, contact ECHO at 813-685-0935.
09 SATURDAY Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Charity thrift sales help refresh ECHO’s stock and raise money for the center. All are welcome and encouraged to purchase discounted overstock clothing and small household items. For more information, contact ECHO at 813-685-0935.
10 SUNDAY
family-friendly songs and sharing a few melodies about anti-bullying to start the school year off right. This free event will get pretty crowded, so be sure to get there early for the best view. For more information, visit westfield.com/ brandon.
13 WEDNESDAY Community Roundtable Monthly Meeting Center Place | 6:30 p.m. 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon Membership is open to all and a light snack is provided to members. Each month a $100 donation is made to a raffle winner’s selected charity. Find out how you can make a difference in your community. For more information, contact Janine Nickerson at 813661-4350.
16 SATURDAY Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Charity thrift sales help refresh ECHO’s stock and raise money for the center. All are welcome and encouraged to purchase discounted overstock clothing and small household items. For more information, contact ECHO at 813-685-0935.
23 SATURDAY Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Charity thrift sales help refresh ECHO’s stock and raise money for the center. All are welcome and encouraged to purchase discounted overstock clothing and small household items. For more information, contact ECHO at 813-685-0935.
29 FRIDAY Ella the Elephant Show Westfield Brandon 459 Brandon Town Center, Brandon Shows at 3 and 7 p.m. Meet and Greet at 5-5:45 p.m. and 7:30-8 p.m. Join Westfield Brandon for live entertainment featuring Ella the Elephant.
HitStreak Live Performance Westfield Brandon | 1:30 p.m. 459 Brandon Town Center, Brandon This cast of young singers will be performing their original
FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2014
5
BRANDON TOPSOCCER REGISTRATION BEGINS IN AUGUST BY CHERYL JOHNSTON
R
egistration opportunities for The Outreach program for Soccer, TOPSoccer Brandon, will begin this month at the Bay Area Youth Soccer League (BAYSL) clubhouse, 3104 S. Kings Avenue in Brandon, behind Kingswood Elementary School. Players must be 5 years old on or before September 6, 2014 and MUST show a copy of their IEP (Individualized Education Program) at registration. Please note the following dates and times: Friday, August 8, 15, and 22 from 6-8PM Saturday, August 9, 16, and 23 from 9AM-Noon The 2014 TOPSoccer season begins at BAYSL on Saturday, September 6th,
6
AUGUST 2014 thefocusmagazine.com
at 9:00am and will run thru November 15th. The all-volunteer TOPSoccer program is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities. It is designed to help any boy or girl, age 5 and up with special needs, learn and play soccer. A majority of the players’ special needs result from either Down Syndrome or autisim. Some are physically handicapped, in wheelchairs, or even partially blind, but regardless,everyone plays. Co-founder Ken Muzyk explained, “We started 16 years ago with 25 players. Last year, we registered 155, and this season we think there might be 175. Some of our originals are still playing,
even though they are now in their 20s.” He added, “We’ve been told by the Florida Youth Soccer Association that we are now either number one or two in Florida for programs serving children with special needs. Most programs have only 30-40 kids involved.” The goal is to enable the hundreds of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of Florida Youth Soccer and the US Youth Soccer family. There are no referees, no scores kept, and no standings tracked. “The older players tend to get a little competitive,” offered Muzyk, “but the intent is to have friendly games and to help the players learn skills for social interaction.” As a result of corporate and individual sponsorships, families whose children participate bear none of the expense. “The league relies on local businesses for their support, so we can provide everything our players need,” said Muzyk, “including uniform, cleats, shin guards, and even access to free food
from the concession stand.” BAYSL, whose teams are now known as the West Florida Flames, has been a proud sponsor and host of TOPSoccer since 1998. TOPS games are played on BAYSL fields and scheduled so as not to conflict. The program also offers high school students an excellent opportunity to earn community service hours. Volunteer registration forms can be downloaded from http:// brandontopsoccer.com and submitted at any of the registration sessions. For more information or to inquire about coaching, please e-mail Fred Englehardt at brandontops@aol.com or phone Ken Muzyk at 813-657-5271. Donation checks payable to Brandon TOPSoccer may be mailed to Brandon Area Youth Soccer League, ATTN: Brandon TOPSoccer at P.O. Box 3322, Brandon, FL 33509-3322 Note also that future game cancellations, updates and changes will be listed at http://brandontopsoccer.com. Please check back often).
PRIME LOCATION WITH EXCELLENT ACCESS!
Office suites start at $400 and are inclusive
1 Mont Free R h ent (call fo r det ails)
(electricity, water, wireless internet)
Tenants have 24/7 access as well as use of the meeting rooms (upon availability). Short term (6 mos) leases are available as well as longer terms (1-2 years). Perfect for home-based businesses who have outgrown their home office or for larger companies who would like a presence in the Greater Brandon area without having to open a full office!
PLEASE CALL 813-689-1221 FOR MORE INFORMATION. FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2014
7
The Busciglio Smiles dentists, Dr. Derek and Dr. Dana, recently awarded $500 scholarships to Tiffany Brightwell (L) of Strawberry Crest IB High School and Diana Corzine of Plant City High School.
BUSCIGLIO SMILES AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO TWO LOCAL STUDENT ATHLETES BY CHERYL JOHNSTON
E
ach year for the last five, Busciglio Smiles has presented academic scholarships to two local student athletes in recognition of their winning essays. Established in 1972 by Dr. John Busciglio, the family-owned Orthodontic and pediatric dental practice is operated today by his children—Dr. Derek Busciglio, D.M.D and Dr. Dana Busciglio, D.M.D. Together, with an excellent team of
8
AUGUST 2014 thefocusmagazine.com
hygienists and technicians, the siblings continue to provide outstanding patient care and support for local efforts in the communities of Brandon, Plant City and Lithia (FishHawk). This year the scholarship essay’s topic was: Athletics versus Academics - Can Student Athletes Really Have It All? The winners of the scholarship essay this year were, Diana Corzine of Plant City High School, and Tiffany Brightwell of Strawberry Crest International
Baccalaureate High School. They were each awarded $500 during a May presentation at the company’s Brandon dental office. Both young ladies emphasized the dedication, effort, and commitment required for success in athletic endeavors and in realizing their academic dreams. Corzine will attend Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville and Brightwell, who is already attending summer classes at University of
South Florida, will pursue a degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Doctorate in Dentistry, “hopefully from the University of Florida.” One goal for her future practice is to “aid children who cannot always afford to have dental work done.” Brightwell’s athleticism revolves around the SCHS Chargerettes Dance Team for three years and in leadership as co-captain her senior year. Academically, in addition to thanking her “biggest supporters,” parents David and Debbie Brightwell, Tiffany also wanted to include “a huge thank you to my teachers; Mr. Kopel, Mr. Ward, Mr. Brown, Mr. Burnett, Mrs. Friebolin, Mr. Guarisco, Mrs. Gonzalez, Mrs. Santiago, Mrs. Ewell, and Mrs. Smith.” Diana, the daughter of Don and Renee Corzine, played soccer as a midfielder and ran cross-country all four years at PCHS. “I’m extremely honored to have been selected to receive this scholarship,” she said. “I’ve been going to Busciglio for years as a patient, so being one of the winners meant so much more than getting a check. It was another way the office has blessed me as I’ve grown and I couldn’t be more grateful!” Dr. Derek noted, “Diana and Tiffany understand that while competitive athletics contributed to their high school experience, their advanced education will provide the enduring benefits.” Busciglio Smiles takes pleasure in tangibly rewarding future community leaders such as Corzine and Brightwell. Dr. Dana added, “These young women have applied themselves to be good examples for our community’s youth, and we are proud to recognize their efforts.” The scholarship’s criteria for 2015 will remain the same. Eastern Hillsborough County school-enrolled student athletes in any sport must have been accepted for college studies in the following school term. The next competition will be announced to the schools in the spring. For a free consultation at Busciglio Smiles, call 813-681-9473 or visit www. theorthodoc.com.
JESSICA KELLEY 10TH GRADE BLOOMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL
MAKE IT A GREAT YEAR BY DEANA GARRISON
Hitting the malls, trying on new clothes, gathering school supplies and finding all the right deals are all a part of this time of year. The summer fun is coming to a close and it is time once again to focus on getting back to school.
JAKE KRIEGBAUM
4TH GRADE CIMINO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
STUDENTS Once they finish their new fresh look and gather all their new supplies, it’s time to focus on the task at hand…Academics. Many deterrents get in the way of achieving that high grade point average that they deem to reach; however, if they stay focused to their studies they will do just fine. Whether your child is in their early school years or later, they still face many challenges that arise daily in school. Study habits, getting assignments turned in on time, staying focused, and bullying are a few school challenges they may face.
STUDY HABITS. If you help your child work out a daily schedule after school to get
his study time in every day, it starts to become a habit. By the time he/she gets to middle school or high school, they have developed this habit and it comes natural. As they grow older, they tend to have other extracurricular activities that may tend to come in the way of that study time. That is when adjustments to their study time needs to be made and dedication plays a huge role.
GETTING ASSIGNMENTS TURNED IN ON TIME. When students reach middle school, they get to the point where they have to keep up with many different teachers and their “due dates” and many different projects and assignments. Helping your child keep a calendar or tracker will help these due dates to not sneak up on them. It may even help to clip it to the refrigerator for an extra reminder. STAYING FOCUSED. Many obstacles get in the way of student focus. In elementary, it may be the silly kid that likes practical jokes, or maybe the best friend that likes to constantly talk to them. In middle school or high school, it may be that good looking fellow student that keeps turning around and smiling. Whatever the case may be, talking with your child about school and how important it is to take it seriously may be the only thing you need to do to keep them in check.
BULLYING. Let’s face it, there is not one person in this world that can say that
they have never had their feelings hurt in one way or another or have never heard anyone say something negative towards them. It is very important to build up that self confidence in your child to the point where if someone started saying something negative, it would not hinder them in any way. If someone is emotionally solid, words won’t knock them down. In fact, it is those who are spreading the negativity that often need the most help. These are the saddened ones. If we all start spreading a nice “pay it forward” atmosphere, maybe our schools or even our world would be a healthier, happier place. I challenge every student this year to “pay it forward” with some kind of nice deed, not expecting anything in return, and see how it changes your environment. In fact, we at FOCUS would love to hear about it. Like us on Facebook and let us know.
GOT CREDIT? “DR. CREDIT” BILL LAVENDER
CREDIT PROBLEMS?? WE CAN HELP!! • Credit Restoration • • Credit Education • • Professional Credit and Financial Diagnosis • • Creation of a “Plan of ACTION” to help you • repair your credit and attain Financial Success • Over 30 Years Experience •
Let Dr. Credit help you get the good score you deserve! 505 Westbrook Ave., Brandon FL 33511
office 813-655-9451 | cell 352.208.5922 www.creditdoctorbill.com | wlaven3088@aol.com Recommended by leading bankers, mortgage companies, home builders and realtors FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2014
11
MAX KRIEGBAUM
8TH GRADE BURNS MIDDLE SCHOOL
PARENTS Parents only want the best for our kids. Keeping the parent/ teacher communication is vital throughout your child’s entire school experience. Be sure to attend the teacher orientation held before school begins to get a good idea on what to expect this year for your child’s school as well as from each teacher. Find out right away when conference dates will be held and make it a point to attend. Edsby is the new online tool being used throughout Hillsborough County and can guide you in the right direction of how you can help your child. Constant updated teacher communication, reminders, and class grades can be viewed using this system. Good communication with your child will also help you get a good idea on whether or not other changes may need to be made. Always get the “whole story” from each side so you can collect your thoughts on any situation. Sometimes our children need us to take a look into some situations that may be hard for them to handle alone. Then again, as they grow older, they may need us to back away and let them manage the situation on their own. That is a good time to just watch and not say anything unless you are needed. Relax, your child is growing up and can handle more than you think.
TEACHERS As a fellow teacher, I feel we learn more with each passing class. It amazes me each year how much the students learn and grow. It is a true blessing to a teacher to see former students who come back after many years to express just how much they contributed to their success. Teachers have a huge amount of details to tend to in order to make sure your child receives the accurate objectives to build their education. It is important to see through some situations and notice that the kid with the attitude may just need some love and attention and special guidance that only you can succeed in giving. Again, let’s all remember the “pay it forward” challenge and see how much of an improvement we can make in our school environments.
I challenge all parents, educators, and students to play the role of spreading a positive environment this year. I have also been told by students as well as teachers that a little prayer before school is something that never hurts. It gives a positive start to a long day. Let’s make this school year great. Good luck and best wishes for a successful year.
FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2014
13
14
AUGUST 2014 thefocusmagazine.com
FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2014
15
B
BILL LAVENDER, DR. CREDIT CREDIT RESTORATION
BY DEANA GARRISON
H
aving a decent credit score is extremely valuable. Most decisions we make in our life depend on our credit score in one way or another. Whether you are purchasing a home, buying that car you’ve always wanted, applying for insurance, getting a new job, or simply trying to get your electricity turned on with a low deposit, your credit score determines the next step. If it is weak, chances are you are going to leave without your dream or end up paying entirely more than you deserve to pay. We have found the right man that can help you get the score you desire. With over 30 years of experience, Bill Lavender, also known as “Dr. Credit”, has been assisting many people in the Tampa Bay area through his restoration company for the past 15 years to achieve their financial goals. Similar to a healthcare doctor, he finds a cure for your credit ailment. In fact, if his guidelines are followed, he has never let anyone down. All of these successes are due to his knowledge of how it all works. He has built an amazing rapport with many leading bankers, mortgage companies, financial institutions, home builders, and lawyers. This in turn has given him many resources he needs to help anyone succeed in restoring their credit. In speaking to Lavender about all he has accomplished for his company, Bob Adams, owner of Highland Homes told him, “We appreciate everything you have done for us to help our credit challenged buyers achieve the goal of home ownership.” There are many things you can do to strengthen your score. Believe it or not, there are also many things that you “think” would help your score, but the minute you do it, your score drops. Lavender not only analyses your credit
16
AUGUST 2014 thefocusmagazine.com
report and prepares a plan all mapped out for you to get started on your mission, but he also gives the details of who to contact and what to do next. You can get all your answers in one simple consultation that is reasonably priced or for those that need step by step monthly guidance; there is also a plan for you. Lavender will make sure your situation is confidential and helps you put your mind at ease. One proud homeowner from Bartow, had this to say to the Credit Doctor, “Thank you Bill Lavender for everything you did for me and my family. When I came to you, my credit was in bad shape. I was tired of renting a place for my family. You worked with me and enabled me to have a home custom built so I could have a home for me and my children.” That statement alone shows he not only has the knowledge of what to do, he also has the true heart to help anyone that has the desire to get that credit in shape. There is a misconception that he only helps the desperate with bad credit reports. On the contrary, he is also there for many who simply want an extra boost to achieve a higher score than the average score they already attain. So whether you are looking to fix a disaster in your score or simply just wanting to improve your already average score, Doctor Credit is the man to call to get you on the right track. Visit his website or give him a call to set up your consultation today. You’ll be glad you did.
INFORMATION BILL LAVENDER “DR. CREDIT”
Office (813)655-9451 Cell (352)208-5922 creditdoctorbill.com
FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2014
17
S
JENNA BESWICK ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
BY DEANA GARRISON
A
t the age of nine, Jenna Beswick’s mother signed her up for softball. Not real excited to play at first, Jenna learned real fast that she actually enjoyed the sport and didn’t want to quit. “I ended up loving it,” says Beswick. Now at 17 years old, this Bloomingdale high school senior has been a starter on the field her entire high school career. She played her freshman year at Newsome High School as a center fielder and her sophomore and junior year as third baseman at Bloomingdale High School.
18
AUGUST 2014 thefocusmagazine.com
When asked about any obstacles she may have faced throughout her softball years she talks of a time when she felt defeated and was told by a coach she wasn’t good enough. This was a turning point for Beswick and she only used it to build her determination to succeed. Sometimes you have to overlook the negative words that come from others. Anything is possible and if you believe in yourself you will be amazed at what you can do. That is exactly what she did. As she moved on with the positive influences of her high school coaches she
has grown into a successful, determined, and skilled athlete that adds to the success of the team. Her high school coach, Mandy Schureman of Bloomingdale said, “When you look at Jenna the words ‘fierce competitor’ may not come to mind, but that’s just what she is. She as well as her teammates put the team’s goal of winning above any of their own. Jenna at the very beginning of the season said she wanted a state ring and it just shows how strong her character is that she as well as her teammates fought so hard to
get that goal.” When speaking about the State Championship that the Bloomingdale Softball won this year, Beswick said, “This past year, winning state has been the most memorable moment and I’ll never forget it. My team clicked so well and played even better! I’ll always have a sister bond with them because of it. I even hit a home run in the semi-finals in state with 2 other people on base! State (Championship) was an experience that not everyone will have and I am happy I got to.” Not only does Beswick play for her high school softball team, but she also plays for Heatwave Travel Team. This team recently won the USSSA World Series at Disneys Wide World of Sports. She plays a big role in helping any team she is on to succeed. Congratulations Jenna Beswick for being this month’s Athlete of the Month.
Back to school with Southside,
now we’re looking cool!
FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2014
19
S
BLOOMINGDALE 12U ALL STARS SOFTBALL TEAM TEAM OF THE MONTH
BY DEANA GARRISON
Y
es, you are correct, most of these girls are the very same group that got Team of the Month last year led by Coach DJ Pena. They are at it again and going strong. This time they are competing in the Babe Ruth Softball 12U World Series in Alachua, Florida. Top teams from all over are coming together to compete for the title. This is not something they just
20
AUGUST 2014 thefocusmagazine.com
entered. They had to earn it by winning many games. Wanting it is one thing, achieving it is another. These girls worked hard to achieve the ultimate goal. This team makes it looks so easy. Every game they play is played with teamwork, enthusiasm, and the drive to succeed. With an undefeated record, this team has what it takes to go into
the competition with their head held high. No matter what happens in Alachua, we know this team has already met their goals and have made the Brandon/Bloomingdale area proud. With coaches D.J.Pena, Dan Cooper, and Bryon LoPreste, this team has learned so much and gained more confidence than ever. These coaches have taken a huge amount of time to
lead these girls to success and it has paid off. Their sportsmanship and teamwork is what sets these girls apart from any other team. They truly work together as a team and strive hard to meet their goal. Coach Pena says they couldn’t have done it without the support of the parents. They have pulled together with team spirit and helped with all the fundraising efforts to get these girls to their competition. Winning the State Championship was exciting enough, but now that the Babe Ruth Softball 12U World Series is a part of their goal, they are full of excitement. We wish them the very best in their fun filled adventure.
FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2014
21
D
TACO BUS KEEPING IT CHIDO
BY HEATHER DAVIS
I
n the world of food truck phenomenon one truck, or shall we say “Bus” rises above all the rest. Look for the big yellow school bus known as Taco Bus and prepare yourself to “experience” the real taste of Mexico. What is it that sets Taco Bus apart from the others? It is because Taco Bus prepares the food it serves using traditional recipes prepared daily with only the freshest ingredients. With over five restaurant locations located in Tampa, Brandon, and St. Petersburg, as well as two mobile food trucks, Taco Bus is becoming a staple in our community. As a bona fide Taco Bus fan I thought I knew what I would be in store for while doing my dining review.
22
AUGUST 2014 thefocusmagazine.com
But in hindsight I now realize Taco Bus is so much more then I ever thought. Two new menu items, the grilled and seasoned shrimp made either spicy or with garlic and the barbacoa (BarB-Que) prepared Guadalajara style are two exciting and tasty additions to the Taco Bus Menu. Although not a new item on the menu, the “Rajas Con Queso” which is roasted poblano peppers in a creamy white sauce with Mexican white cheese, salsa ranchera and sweet corn kernels was the perfect blend of flavors. When dining at Taco Bus you first chose from an assortment of “bases” that will carry your choice of fillings. These bases include the taco, tostado, burrito, quesadilla, or torta. Once you
have made your choice then the fun begins with trying to decide on a filling. All the fillings whether chicken, beef, pork, steak, or fish are prepared using traditional Mexican techniques that
render juicy, deliciously seasoned, and tender selections of meats. For example the “Cochinita Pibil” is shredded pork marinated in achiote and bitter orange, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker. Now how is that for delicious! Taco Bus also offers many options for vegetarians and vegans that does not only begin and end with beans and rice. With options such as grilled tofu marinated in Mexican spices, vegan tempeh, vegan “steak strips” seasoned and grilled, and my personal favorite the butternut squash, Taco Bus gives vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike a reason to celebrate. Must tries on the Taco Bus menu are the freshly made guacamole, the butternut squash tostado, barbaquo, seasoned shrimp, and when in season the “agua de sandia” which is a sweetened watermelon water. If you can manage to leave room for desert the mouthwatering tres leche, flan, and homemade rice pudding are all prepared fresh daily and make a perfect end to an authentic Mexican meal. For more information on Taco Bus locations, business hours, or to find out about catering option visit www.tacobus.com.
FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2014
23
24
AUGUST 2014 thefocusmagazine.com