FOCUS Brandon 07-11

JULY 2014 thefocusmagazine.com2

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FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JULY 2014 3

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Brandon Elks July 4 PicnicBrandon Elks Lodge | 1 p.m.Centennial Lodge Dr., BrandonCome cool off after the Community Roundtable Annual 4th of July Parade. Hotdogs and hamburgers will be served. Cost per person is $6. Enjoy some food and games. For more information, contact [email protected].

Brandon Blast July 4th Fireworks Celebration Westfield Brandon Restaurant Courtyard | 6 p.m.459 Brandon Town Center, BrandonEnjoy live music, family entertainment, dining, and a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. Kids can enjoy face painting, balloon artists, and magic shows for a nominal fee. The evening event culminates with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Charity Thrift SaleECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m.507 N. Parsons Ave., BrandonHelp ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted overstock clothes and small household items.For more information, contact Joni Damico at 813-685-0935.


Little Monsters Create Artists’ ReceptionCenter Place Fine Arts and Civic Association619 Vonderburg Dr., BrandonView the 2nd annual Children’s Community Art Show,

ages 4-14. Entries include 2D and 3D artwork such as drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, clay, and wood pieces. An awards ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. and will present 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes to ages groups 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, and 13-14. For more information, contact, 813-685-8888.


JULY04 FRIDAY

26 SATURDAY12 SATURDAY

17 THURSDAY

19 SATURDAY

Brandon’s Fourth of July ParadeSponsored by The Community Roundtable, come and experience the 51st annual Fourth of July Parade, the

largest Independence Day parade in Florida. Be a part of the tradition as a spectator or a participant. The

parade on begins Friday, July 4 at 10 a.m. on the corner of Lumsden Rd. and Parsons Ave. and continues down

Parsons to Robertson St. Don’t forget your folding chairs, suntan lotion, and sunglasses during this

perfect way to start the long weekend.

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LOCAL

THE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE’S“FATHER OF THE YEAR” ESSAY WINNERS

Article by Cheryl Johnston

Each year The Community Roundtable sponsors a Father of the Year essay contest to determine which dad and

child will ride as honored guests in the annual Brandon Fourth of July Parade.

The competition, approved by the Hillsborough County School Board, is open to all students between grades 3 through 5 residing in the greater Brandon area. TCR members judge entries by age group on content and originality. Students hand write their 50-words or less essay in describing what special qualities makes Dad their hero. Entries may also include a drawing.

The First Place winner in the 2014 contest is Hannah Rog, 10, a Lithia Springs Elementary School fourth grader. The daughter of John and Meg Rog of Valrico wrote: “My dad is awesome. He works so hard. He is a hero. One day he saved a lady from dying in a parking lot. He saw her fall and immediately checked the heartbeat.

The following generous organizations also provided prizes for the winners: Buca Di Beppo, Beef O’Brady’s (Kings Avenue), Teacher’s Helper, Chick-Fil-A

There was no heartbeat or pulse. He started on CPR and the lady lived. It was amazing.”

When Hannah learned of her win, she said, “At first I thought my mom was pulling my leg. When I wrote my essay, I thought there was no hope I would win. As the lady on the phone got more descriptive about the parade I began jumping up and down, yelling about it. My mom and I were trying to guess the look on my dad’s face when he got home and we told him. Riding in a car in a parade with his name on the side of the car didn’t really sound like my dad, but I think it’s going to be a lot of fun! I’m super excited.”

Among other prizes, Hannah received two tickets to Universal Studios, courtesy of The Community Roundtable, a round of golf for four at Buckhorn Springs, and a family photo package donated by Huth * Booth - The Portrait Gallery.

at Lake Brandon Village, Accurate Tax & Bookkeeping Service, Buffalo Wild Wings, Home Depot, Brandon Crossroads Bowl and Sweet Tomatoes.

Natalia Khan, a Symmes Elementary fifth grader whose essay placed second, wrote of her father Azard: “My dad is my hero because he helps me get through a lot of things. He parents me well by telling me right from wrong. Even though my dad has his problems, he makes time for me no matter what. He tries to be there as much as possible! He’s the best!”

Daughter and father will enjoy tickets to Weeki Wachee Springs along with other gift certificates.

Third place winner Jameson Johnson, another Symmes fifth grader, wrote of his dad Jerry: “My father is my hero because he served our country in Iraq, sacrificing his mental and physical health for us, enduring the mind shedding pain of watching people die right in front of him. Nowadays, he helps people as a dentist every day. So I’m sure he deserves this award.”

Together the family will enjoy bowling and pizza at Brandon Crossroads Bowl, and several gift certificates from other area restaurants.

This tradition is a great one! For information about how you or your organization can become involved in next year’s contest, contact The Community Roundtable at 813-661-4350 or e-mail [email protected] Rog is excited that her dad will be honored as “Father of the Year” in the annual Brandon Fourth of July Parade.


veryone has a favorite bartender - the one who remembers your name and already has a cold one waiting for you as you slide across your favorite barstool. Some bartenders will impress you with their incredible knowledge, inventive cocktails and

heavy pour while others attract repeat clientele because they’re nice to look at, fun to talk to and we look forward to going back for another visit.

Focus Magazine decided to find out who is Brandon’s top bartender and who goes out of his or her way to make their customers feel special and appreciated. We reached out to all of the local bars in Brandon and selected four finalists. After a week of voting, Betty was crowned Brandon’s best bartender with a final vote of 2,229 to second-place 1,980!


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O’BRIENS IRISH PUB | 701 WEST LUMSDEN ROAD, BRANDON FL

YOUR 2014 BRANDONTOP BARTENDER!

I love the social aspects. Gaining regulars that become friends for life, I’ve got quite a few of those! Also meeting new and ineresting People on a daily basis. It keeps my life fun, but never boring.

It’s a toss up between the amazing staff and our loyal and wonderful regulars. I suppose they go hand in hand. Wouldn’t have one without the other!

Obrien’s is bringing back an old favorite, and like anything else has gotten better with age. We call it The Obrien’s Trash Can. Originally was a crowd favorite now the ingerdients have been tweaked a bit. It consists of # Olives Berry Vodka, Red Bull, a splash of Midori, Blue Curacao, & sour mix. A tasty treat that will also keep you energized!

Thats easy! Herradura tequila, Chilled, no training wheels

Although i’m not too picky, my go to bars in Brandon are Balukah Billiards or Linksters Tap Room

We are actually well known for quite a few drinks we have created in house such as The Jersey Shore Panty Dropper, The Tully Tea, and The Irish Breakfast shot! As they are all very popular I’m going to have to say the favorite is the Panty Dropper. I’m sure the name has nothing to do with it!:)

*Ice cream or a greasy burger. If that fails, hair of the dog!

Age: 33 | From: Indiana. | Lives: Brandon, FLBartending how long: 13 years | When do you work?: Typically Monday mornings, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday nights


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TADPOLES | 115 E BRANDON BLVD, BRANDON, FL

Because I get to interact with a lot of different people and it’s fun and exciting all the time. There’s always something going on and it’s quick and easy money on top of it.

I had a group of people come in the other day and they asked for a Smurf Tart shot and I just thought it was crazy. I ended up having to Google it because I haven’t had that one before and I swear people make things up as they walk in the door.

I think it’s just the atmosphere. Every customer is welcoming of new people. Everybody knows everybody. By first name. Last Name. They know their whole family. Like everyone’s very involved with each other. I have a huge regular clientele and there’s never a dull face in the bar. Everyone’s always having a good time.

A lot of people tend to like my sangrias and it’s honestly red or white wine and I add a lot of juices as well as sweet liquors like sour apple, banana, blackberry, just a bunch of random stuff. It depends on how they like it - whether they like it sweet or more tart.

Probably like a Malibu Baybreeze just because I’m a beachy type person and I like fruity and girly type stuff. I like to enjoy my alcohol. I don’t like to shove it down my throat.

The Seffner Tiki Hut. It’s kind of the same feel at Tadpoles. Everyone’s very welcoming and cheering and the bartenders there are so nice and you always run into someone you know so it’s always a good time whether you show up by yourself.

We do a lot of margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas.

A good Bloody Mary and a nice burger.

John Cook, the owner for giving me the opportunity to be the best I can be, my parents, Tracy and Ernie, and my boyfriend, Anthony, for dealing with me being at work until 3 o’clock in the morning.

Age: 23 | From: Originally New Jersey but you can just say Brandon. | Lives: Brandon, FLBartending how long: About 5 years | When do you work?: Every night but Wednesday and Sunday Marital status: In a relationship


ONE NIGHT STAND | 1602 E STATE ROAD 60, VALRICO, FL

I just get to meet a lot of different people and it’s fun.

It would probably be the Smirnoff Blueberry with unsweet tea and lemon and lemon wedges. It’s actually believe it or not, it sounds really weird but it’s delicious and very low on calories. Girls have to worry about that kind of stuff.

Well, the mechanical bull. We also have a full kitchen that’s open until 3 in the morning so if you’re out and about and you want a rib eye steak at 2:30 a.m., you can come here and we can make it for you.

That’s a tough one. I really like our Boot Scoot and Berry Punch; it’s blueberry vodka, cranberry juice, lemonade and frozen raspberries - that’s my favorite specialty drink.

My favorite drink to make is actually a shot – the Cowboy Breakfast shot with Jack Daniels Honey, butterscotch schnapps and then we have a chaser that’s orange juice with a slice of bacon in it. So you take your shot, you drink your OJ and then you eat your bacon and it tastes exactly like maple syrup breakfast. Delicious.

It’s actually called The Watering Hole. It’s in Riverview. It’s like a complete dive bar, a biker bar. I like it because they have darts and it’s just very low key. It’s like an older crowd so if I just want to get away from the scene, I go there and have a few drinks.

I guess I’m going to go with the One Night Shandy. We use Raspberry Smirnoff and we mix with Moustache beer, which is a beer that we have here, and lemonade and it’s poured over frozen raspberries. Everyone loves that drink. It’s very good.

My hangover is lots of Gatorade and McDonalds. A big fattening breakfast.

I would actually like to thank the owners of One Night Stand just because they’ve opened up a really great place that everybody seems to be enjoying so far and they’re great with their staff and employees. It’s just a really nice place to work.

Age: 25 | From: I was born in Cuba but I grew up in Sarasota. | Lives: Brandon, FLBartending how long: 4 years. | When do you work?: I work Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights.Marital status: Single.


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SQUARE 1 BURGERS & BAR | 2042 BADLANDS ST, BRANDON, FL

I just have a great time interacting with my guests. It’s so much more fun being behind the bar than serving because I get to hang out with them and build relationships. It’s fun.

Probably the weirdest one was a variation of one of our signature drinks, the Pinks and Greens. It’s Stoli vodka, pink grapefruit juice and St. Germain Elderflower liqueur but a girl wanted to do straight lime juice rather than grapefruit and it was probably the most tart drink I’ve ever had in my life. It was pretty odd but that’s what she wanted.

The one thing that I truly like about it is half of it’s inside and then we also have a huge outside section so you can go out on the patio or sit at the bar right there. And we have plenty of TVs for people to come in and watch the games and everybody that works there, we’re all sports fans and we’re all just fun people so we just try to have good times with all of our customers and that’s why we have a lot of repeat business and a lot of regulars come in. It’s a great environment. I can say we have some of the best burgers I’ve ever had in my life.

I make an amazing Bloody Mary that people are always coming back for. It’s your preference in vodka, Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix, Tabasco, celery salt, A1 and Guinness.

I’m easy, just straight whiskey on the rocks. I’m a Jack Daniels guy.

Probably since One Night Stand has opened up. They’re right down the street from me and like I said I love whiskey and they got all the different types of Jacks so it’s been nice for me.

Probably a Booner Sooner Margarita. It’s Patron, Grand Marnier and sour served in a shaker glass and a mini martini glass that’s salted with a lime and an olive.

A regular vanilla milkshake with banana and that usually coats over the stomach. It works very well.

I would like to thank Mike Wayland for giving me the opportunity of moving up within the company and getting experience at Square 1 and just the Square 1 staff in itself. They are a pleasure to work with and make going to work one of the highlights of my week. And a big thanks to Angel Campos also. He’s one of the managers at Square 1 and he’s been doing a phenomenal job of bringing in a lot of new craft beers that have really made selling the beers and talking with the craft beer enthusiasts a lot of fun.

Age: 28 | From: Originally from New Jersey but I grew up mainly in Daytona. | Lives: Valrico, FLBartending how long: About 2 years | When do you work?: I work all the time. It’s just a random schedule. I actually just found out I’m moving up to management so I don’t even know if I’ll be in the Brandon store anymore. I’ll either be in Brandon, our Henderson location or St. Petersburg. | Marital status: Single


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BUSINESS » PROFILE

Profile by Amanda Deck

Summer is here and there’s no better way to spend it than in the great outdoors. With a huge selection of new and

pre-owned vehicles—from motorcycles and personal watercraft to scooters and ATVs—Barney’s is the best place to go in Brandon for all your powersports needs.

Barney’s of Brandon opened in 1999, but the brand has been serving the greater Tampa Bay area for over 67 years with the first showroom located in St. Petersburg in 1946. Although the original store sold primarily Indian Motorcycles, Barney’s of Brandon offers Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Can-Am, Piaggio, Vespa, and Sea-Doo products.

In addition, Barney’s of Brandon boasts a parts and accessories department and service center featuring highly skilled factory trained technicians. In fact, Barney’s Service Manager—who began his career as a vehicle maintenance control specialist in the United States Air Force—has over 33 years of experience in the industry. Therefore, at Barney’s, you’ll know for a fact you and your powersports vehicle will be taken care of.

“I can’t thank [Barney’s] enough for the relaxed buying experience we had,” said a very satisfied customer in a recent review. “The staff was so respectful and friendly to both my husband and myself.”

The review continued, “I want you to know that your business went so far over any expectations we had.”

It’s apparent Barney’s prides itself on offering exceptional customer service.

“We offer a great price followed up with great service and customer experience,” said Barney’s General Manager Joshua Lavine. “I’m most proud of our staff. We are fortunate to have a very talented team of people in all departments who consistently go above and beyond. In my opinion, they are the most talented staff in the powersports industry in at least the Central Florida area.”

Lavine added, “Anybody can have a great facility and sell great products, but more importantly, you need to have great people

to stand behind those products and be able to deliver a superior customer experience. I like to call it the ‘Differentiating Trifecta’ and that is what we have here at Barney’s.”

Not only does Barney’s of Brandon serve the skilled rider, but because of their customer service oriented approach, Barney’s offers first time buyers a great experience.

“When I walked into Barney’s, I had a general idea of what I would need for safety gear, but virtually no idea as to how to select the right product for me. The Barney’s staff was wonderful. They showed me how to decide upon the gear for my budget. They were genuinely interested in what gear was best for me, not what was the most expensive,” said a happy customer in an online review. “All in all, I learned a lot, was able to get some awesome gear for a great price, and felt respected and well taken care of. I would definitely recommend Barney’s to anyone looking for motorcycle gear.”

To accommodate the ever increasing amount of new motorcycle riders, Barney’s of Brandon boasts a state approved motorcycle

training facility featuring an in-store classroom and outdoor motorcycle range.

Lavine and the rest of the Barney’s staff are ready to serve you whether you are looking for a motorcycle, scooter, ATV, or personal watercraft. According to Lavine, “June is the best time to buy with huge discounts on watercraft and motorcycles and financing as low at 0 percent.”

Stop by their showroom today, located right off Adamo Drive, and be sure to check out their website or Facebook page for upcoming special promotions.

BARNEY’S OF BRANDONBRANDON BUSINESS PROFILE

Barney’s of Brandon9820 Adamo Drive

Tampa, Florida 33619Phone: 813-528-9418

Web: barneysbrandon.com

Facebook: facebook.com/barneys.brandon

INFORMATION

Barney’s of Brandon is a great place for the first time buyers and offers a state approved motorcycle training facility featuring an in-store classroom and outdoor motorcycle range.

Get outdoors this summer and purchase an ATV at Barney’s of Brandon, Tampa Bay’s leader in powersport vehicles.


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SPORTS » ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

TYLER CLINTONArticle by Deana Garrison

When Tyler Clinton, also known as T.C., was just three years old, he began learning all there is to know

about baseball. He started out playing at the YMCA and loved it. Now at the age of eight, he has strengthen his skills and learned so much more about the sport. After all, he picked up his passion for baseball by watching his older brother. In fact, Tyler used to tag along at his brother’s practices and even get on the field to practice with them. Having that extra higher level practicing has given him that extra challenge to reach the top.

This year was Tyler’s first time to be eligible to make an All Star Team and he achieved that goal right away. To be chosen on the All Star Team after the original little league is a huge honor. Many are eligible, but only few are chosen. After regular season and All Star, Tyler continues his experience with Travel Ball.

With the highest batting average on his Bloomingdale All Star team, Tyler sure knows how to handle the bat. He hit two homeruns this season and I am sure there is more to come in the future. While most players have to work at it, many say it just comes natural for him. Batting, of course, is his favorite part of the game.

Jessica Hinson, team manager of Bloomingdale All Stars 8U B team says, “Tyler is a good teammate, positive, a fast runner, and an aggressive player. He takes chances and loves to win.”

Tyler gives it his all throughout the game, but is also known to support and uplift the other players. He goes out of his way to help a teammate. You will see him giving high fives and displaying that positive vibe that every team needs.

His skill is not the only thing that shines. Tyler is a wonderful student in school. He works hard to keep his grades up and always strives to do his very best.

When asked what he thinks about baseball, Tyler says, “It is fun and I like playing with my friends.” When he is out on the field Tyler says, “I try my hardest and keep my eye on the ball.”

It is obvious he loves the sport and it shows in his accomplishments. Keep reaching for the top Tyler Clinton. Congratulations for being Athlete of the Month for FOCUS Magazine.

To be chosen on the All Star Team after the original little league is a

huge honor. Many are eligible, but only few are chosen.

Tyler “TC” Clinton, #11, Bloomingdale All Stars 8U B.


SPORTS » TEAM OF THE MONTH

ALL STARS 8U BProfile by Deana Garrison

As a young baseball player, when joining a baseball team it is nice to find those players you already have a bond with

and know how they play to help the team gel as one. Let’s face it, a team can have an abundance of skill, but if it is not put together as a unit, they will never have success.

When the time came for Bloomingdale to select their All Stars 8U B team, the team was selected and all of the boys didn’t necessarily know each other. That didn’t stop these young men. Anyone looking on the outside watching their teamwork and total combined skill will think they have played together for

present ever to see his kid winning the chance to compete in State Championships. It is definitely a huge accomplishment for these young players and it says a great deal about their determination and attitude towards their ultimate goal.

One of the games this season started out a little rough with the other team up by six runs and Bloomingdale sitting at zero. Any team at this age would start feeling a level of defeat and start to breakdown. Not this team! They pulled together and put that goal in place to come back with a strong hold. Winning that

years. These boys came together and naturally bonded to make one awesome team. In fact, their head coach, Nic Hinson says their motto which is chanted before, during, and after the game is “One team, one goal.” With a mindset like that, it is no wonder this team is headed for the State Championships held in Palm Beach Gardens.

To qualify for the State Championships, the boys had to compete along with 53 other teams in order to be one of the 16 teams for the final Championship games. Their qualifying win was on Father’s Day weekend. One dad on the team said it was the best father’s day

game 26-18 proved to many that no matter what, they have what it takes to work as a team.

Not only do support each other as a team, they also like to attend the other Bloomingdale All Star games as well to support the other age groups. Supporting each other and rooting on their fellow league members means a lot to the other teams.

I always like to emphasize the important part a parent plays in that determination and attitude on the field. Our children always look to us and model what we do. I have learned the parents on this team have shown great mannerism and support that completes the level of class that this team holds. In fact, they not only look out for their own players, they go out of their way to cheer on aother team when they see something deserving to be recognized. Rational, loving, and support for ALL is definitely a refreshing sight to see.

Congratulations Bloomingdale All Stars 8U B team for being selected Team of the Month. You deserve it and we wish you the best of luck!

BLOOMINGDALEOfficial All Star Team Picture Photo by Michelle Bass

All Stars Jersey on Fence: Our B team cheering on our 7 year old “Little Blazers” All Star Team Photo by Michelle Bass

All Star Dug Out: The team celebrating their first tournament win. Photo by Jessica Hinson


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D & E » DINING PROFILE

Profile by Deana Garrison

This month, we decided to take a peek inside the brand new Castle Creole located at 435 E Brandon. You may

have seen the sign out in front of the place for years. In fact, Esther JeanBart bought the building, previously known as a pottery shop, three years ago in hopes to renovate and create her dream. Little by little JeanBart planned and prepared to reach her ultimate goal. Now, having been open for approximately six, her dream is a reality.

JeanBart moved here from New York five years ago. She says, “I was missing my mom’s cooking, so I thought why not open a restaurant similar to my mom’s cooking.” By brining Haiti’s French Caribbean Cuisine to the area, many people have already given rave reviews.

As soon as we walked in the door we sensed a romantic feel. Eloquently decorated, this dim

lit restaurant gives an intimate and relaxing appeal. But don’t let that fool you. If you continue through to the back patio, you will find a whole new look. Here, people can come to unwind and hang out. She even has an area for a band.

Our meal started out with creole patties that were freshly made and delicious. We ordered the Poulet Creole which is chicken cooked in special sauce and served with exotic black rice and sautéed spinach. The spices were just right for the chicken. Not too spicy. The flavor of the black rice mixed with the sauce from the chicken tasted amazing.

If you are looking for a different restaurant, or just want to go relax with a few drinks, Castle

Creole is the place for you. Tuesday night is the best night to go for drink specials. Networking Thursday is every Thursday where you can meet professionals in your area while enjoying drink and food specials during the event.

Make sure you stop in to have a taste of Castle Creole. You will be glad you did.

CASTLE CREOLEBRANDON DINING PROFILE

Castle Creole 435 E Brandon Blvd,

Brandon, Florida(813) 681-8500

Price Range $$ (10-30)

INFORMATION

Photo by Edward Thomas


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