FOCUS Brandon 08-06

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

®

Save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets at Publix

FEB. 26 - MAR. 8, 2015 • PLANT CITY, FLORIDA

Artists Appearing on the

Bobby Vinton

Alabama

Thu. Feb. 26, 3:30 $15 & $20

Kevin Costner & Modern West

Brett Eldredge

Sat. Feb. 28, 7:30 $35

Sara Evans

Tue. Mar. 3, 7:30 $20 & $25

Mel Tillis

Thu. Feb. 26, 7:30 $40

Sun. Mar. 1, 3:30 $20 & $25

Ricky Skaggs

Wed. Mar. 4, 3:30 $15 & $20

Soundstage:

Fri. Feb. 27, 3:30 $15 & $20

Hunter Hayes

Sun. Mar. 1, 7:30 $40

Craig Morgan

Wed. Mar. 4, 7:30 $20 & $25

Scotty McCreery

MercyMe

Fri. Feb. 27, 7:30 $25 & $30

Sawyer Brown

Mon. Mar. 2, 3:30 $15 & $20

Oak Ridge Boys Thur. Mar. 5, 3:30 $15 & $20

Sat. Feb. 28, 3:30 $20

Happy Together Tour

Ronnie Milsap

Mon. Mar. 2, 7:30 $25 & $30

Newsboys

Thur. Mar. 5, 7:30 $20

Tue. Mar. 3, 3:30 $15 & $20

Loretta Lynn

Fri. Mar. 6, 3:30 $20 & $25

Visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available!

While online, check out the Free Entertainment, Midway Specials, Discounted Days, and Full Schedule of Festival Events.

Free Grandstand Boyz II Men

Fri. Mar. 6, 7:30 $20 & $25

Dan + Shay

Sat. Mar. 7, 3:30 $15 & $20

John Legend

Sat. Mar. 7, 7:30 $50

Parmalee

Sun. Mar. 8, 3:30 $15 & $20

REBA

Sun. Mar. 8, 7:30 $50

3:30 & 7:30pm Seating is on a first come, first seated basis.

Concert dates and times are subject to change

Candyland Warehouse•Stingray Chevrolet•Mosaic•Alessi Bakery•AMSCOT•Carolina Carports•Astin Farms•DIRECTV•Verizon Wireless Netterfield’s Concessions•Florida Blue•Southern Ford Dealers•Outcast Watersports•Florida’s Best•Bionic Band•Images Everywhere! ® TECO•Good Health Saunas•CHOBANI•Florida Dairy Farmers•Nathan’s•Diamond Resorts Int’l•FOCUS BrightMAGAZINE House Networks •Hershey’s BRANDON FEBRUARY 2015 3

FACTORY 4 MOTORSPORTS Professional Service / Parts and Accessories

Our goal is to make sure the only problem you have with your bike or atv is figuring out where to ride to next!

In Plant City since 2006. We specialize in major and minor service and repair of atv’s, motorcycles, and side-by-sides including performance work.

Factory certified mechanics!

CHECK OUT OUR EBAY STORE! FACTORY 4 MOTORSPORTS Over 4,000 Used Parts, Fast And Free Shipping, Ready To Sell Pricing!

813.764.8373 911 S, WOODROW WILSON ST., UNIT 4, PLANT CITY, FL. 33563 Hours: Monday thru Friday 8am-5pm

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can’t miss event 2015 ANNUAL DINNER

The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the 2015 Annual Dinner. Chamber members, as well as community and regional leaders, gather for an evening of networking with colleagues, celebrating the prior year’s accomplishments, and take a look at upcoming priorities. The event also recognizes some of Greater Brandon’s most committed volunteers and leaders. The event will take place on Friday, February 6 from 6:15 to 9:15 at The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. For more information, call 813-689-1221 or email clemar@brandonchamber.com.

FEBRUARY

05 THURSDAY

14 SATURDAY

Katie Adams Make Believe Theater presents: The Peacock’s Gift Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association 10:15 a.m.

619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon When the Peacock Fairy arrives in midsummer, all the peacocks compete to win her favor and receive magic powers...all except the littlest peacock, who decides to take a different path. This Chinese folk tale is about giving, kindness, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Recommended for ages 3-10. Tickets are $6 for members and $7 for non members. Advance ticket purchase is required.

For more information call 813-685-8888 or visit centerplacebrandon.org.

Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m.

507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help 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.

07 SATURDAY Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m.

507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help 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.

Empty Bowls 2015 St. Andrews United Methodist Church Social Hall 12 to 3 p.m.

3315 Bryan Rd., Brandon This family friendly event helps end suffering in our community by raising funds for ECHO. Each attendee will sample soups made by local chefs, restaurants, and culinary students for just $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Each attendee will gain an understanding of food insecurity and receive a creative bowl made by area elementary students.

For more information, contact 813-685-0935.

21 SATURDAY Wild Dame Night Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association 6 p.m.

619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon An evening for ladies only, Wild Dame Night is full of fun with social time, wine, catered dinner, and a “Decadent Dessert Room.” Don’t forget to wear your best cowgirl gear for a fun-filled evening of line dancing and country music. The event will also feature a special country revue by Stages Productions. Be sure to purchase your tickets soon. Cost is $60 per person and $800 per sponsor table. Proceeds benefit Children’s Programming at Center Place.

For more information call 813-685-8888 or visit centerplacebrandon.org.

28 SATURDAY Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m.

507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help 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.

Mortgage Financing Loans to: · Buy · Build · Refinance · FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Loans Up to $1,000,000

Branch Manager/Loan Officer

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON FEBRUARY 2015

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FEBRUARY 2015 thefocusmagazine.com

PLANT CITY

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1515 Parsons Ave. N. in North Grove Plaza

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FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON FEBRUARY 2015

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participants should arrive with their printed ticket and I.D. one hour before their heat. Family, friends, and personal photographers are welcome to watch and take pictures for no cost. A water station will be provided as well.

Guests should use State Road 60 and Oakwood Avenue to enter the event’s

MARCH MUDNESS 2015 BY NATIVITY LIFETEEN LET THE MUD BEGIN

BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

A

s mud runs go, March Mudness is sure to offer challenges for even the most experienced mudders.

The community is invited to participate in the 1.5 mile, 17-obstacle Mud Run, presented by Lifeteen at Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon on Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM. The course, which has been under construction since November, taunts this event will “leave you crying for your mommy.”

In addition to plenty of exercise, participants will receive a T-shirt and “super cool medal.”

Everyone will enjoy the special bonus of vendors, music, photo booth and refreshments available for purchase.

Youth leader Justin Lantz is excited

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about the expected turnout for this family fun day.

“I can’t wait to see the kids running with their families and the joy on their faces. It’s exciting to see those tough guys and girls out their pushing through the obstacles for first place.”

He continued, “No matter the messes we all might face in life it’s freeing to conquer this Mud Run mess. I think deep down people really enjoy loosing their inhibitions by getting down in the mud.”

Save $10 off the event fee by registering early, between now and February 14th. Late registration continues from Feb. 15 – March 7.

Registrants after March 7 and onsite will pay an additional $10 and may not be guaranteed a shirt or a medal.

Moderate dress is requested and

» Prices and times for the various heats are:

9:00 AM - Adult Heat (Competitive) 18 & Up: Early #35/Late $45 9:15 AM - High School Student Heat (Competitive): Early $35/Late.$45 9:30 AM - Team Heat, ages 6 & Up: Early $30/Per Person; Late $40 (Teams of 4 or more) 10:00 AM - Open Heat, ages 13-113: Early $35/Late $45 10:30 AM - Kids Heat (Competitive), ages 6-12: Early $25/Late $35

» Prizes are as follows:

Adult Competitive Heat: Male and female participants must complete every obstacle for prize eligibility and prizes will be awarded to both genders at three levels.

1st Place: $100 worth of prizes 2nd Place: $75 worth of prizes 3rd Place: $50 worth of prizes Team Heat: Prizes For Best Dressed; Prizes For Loudest/Wildest Team Open Heat: No Prizes for the Open Heat

free parking lot, because the Bryan Road entrance will be blocked.

Since the challenge takes place rain or shine, refunds will not be available, but registration and tickets are transferrable.

For additional information, e-mail Youthdir@nativitycatholicchurch.org or phone 813-689-4147.

Kids Heat: Male and female participants must complete every obstacle for prize eligibility and prizes will be awarded to both genders at three levels.

1st Place: $50 worth of prizes 2nd Place: $25 worth of prizes 3rd Place: $15 worth of prizes

» The 17 obstacles include: HEY JACK!!! Stacks Low Down Tire Pull Mr. Sand Man Tire Treck Slip n’ Slide Alpine Retention Hill Rope Climb Crazy Crawl Sewer Rat Tunnels The Wall Cliff Hanger Steeple Chase Dumpster Dive Daley Fence Climb Web Wall Monkey Bars Over & Under Shower

TRADE-IN SALE

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689.5257 NEW! CURATED BOUTIQUE MARKETPLACE

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Mon.-Fri. 8:30 to 5 | Sat. 8:30 to 3

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OPEN: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm

208 S. Collins St., Plant City, 33563 813-659-1600 www.facebook.com/plantcitymercantile

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON FEBRUARY 2015

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now their focus is raising funds for The Brandon Aquatic Center to provide swimming lessons for infants who live around water. They have partnered with Chicks For Charities which have devoted their time and efforts to raising funds for this cause. So far with one event this year they have raised around $2000. Find more information on Facebook under Charity Chicks or email them at Chicksforcharities@ gmail.com If interested in attending one of the classes it is suggested to go online at www.sketchandsip.com (info on website may be updating) to register and ensure a seat. Classes are for ages 14 and up with an average of 30 or 40 people per class. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage and snack. Go to the

SKETCH AND SIP

BY SHERRI ROBINSON

T

hinking about an evening out and looking for something new and unique to do? Think “Sketch And Sip.” Even if you think you are not the artsy type and can’t paint don’t worry. The staff is there to help you paint your way to fun and maybe even something you’d be proud to hang on your wall.

“Sketch And Sip” is the brainchild of Patty Sisco and her sister. While hanging out together painting and drinking a lovely glass of wine the idea was born. Patty’s sister worked with computers and like many people she didn’t feel she had talent for painting.

However with Patty’s step by step

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instruction she found out that she had a creative side after all. It just takes a little instruction and most people can paint something they would be pleasantly surprised and proud of.

“Sketch and Sip” is the kind of place where everyone is comfortable whether alone, with friends, as a date or a party. “It’s a very fun and therapeutic evening. When painting you don’t think of your problems. It’s relaxing, fun and challenging” says Patty.

“Sketch And Sip” loves to be involved in the community as their mission states, “Spread art throughout the community and give back.” Though they are open to more charities, right

home page and check the calendar to see what painting is posted for the class you want. For ages 14 and under there is a kids class on Saturdays at noon.

Classes are usually small with under 6 kids. No painting is posted for this class.

Cost is $20 with all supplies provided.

If considering coming as a party of at least 10 people please call ahead and talk with someone. There is no facility fee and the cost per person is $25 - $40 with a 10 person minimum.

Sketch and Sip is located at 11242 Winthrop Main St. Riverview, Fl. 33578 (On the corner of Bloomingdale and Providence Rd. in the Winthrop Plaza in the Times Building.)

813-644-5954

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON FEBRUARY 2015

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WINTHROP TOWN CENTER

A Community that is designed for Living, Working, Playing, and Connecting

BY HEATHER DAVIS COVER PHOTO AND PHOTOS BY OSCAR JOEL HERRERA

The two definitions of community are (1) a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common and (2) a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. Winthrop Town Center established in 2000, 15 years ago, by John and Kay Sullivan not only meets, but exceeds on every level the truest and deepest meaning of community.

The Sullivans are both visionaries who saw and recognized a need within the Brandon community to create a place where citizens could gather, exchange ideas with one another, and connect on a meaningful level. With the understanding that life can be more meaningful and rich when opportunities are created to socialize and connect this way within a community, the idea for Winthrop Town Center was given birth. The name Winthrop comes from an actual street that John Sullivan’s family lived on before he was born. As the 7th child, John’s family had to move once he was born to a bigger house, leaving the house on Winthrop Street. While growing up he heard his mother always speak of the house on Winthrop Street as being her favorite house they lived in. Therefore in tribute to his mother and her favorite house, the name Winthrop was given to Winthrop Town Center.

Born of heart and courage, fifteen years later the foundation of Winthrop Town Center that was laid in 2000 with the land purchase of 149 acres has now progressed to a thriving community of over 200 households, with a projected 550 more to be added, nine restaurants, eleven retail establishments, which also include the largest Publix in Florida, and over twenty businesses, including Family Physicians, Surgeons, Veterinarians, dance and fitness studios, banks, financial services, spa and salons, daycares, and jewelers just to mention a few.

Winthrop is also home to two schools, an Elementary and Middle School, as well as The Barn at Winthrop which is an event venue that offers space for all types of events. Winthrop can also boast of having its own Town Artist, Bryant Martinez who is in charge of all art related and charity minded community events such as the Arts Factory within the Winthrop community.

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The heart of Winthrop lies within the vision that is alive and thriving within the Sullivans , who as the founders are living and working within the community every day. Their vision was to create a community where people could live, work, play, shop, eat, and most of all connect with one another. The Architect and Town Planning firm, Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company from Miami have been instrumental in designing the town plan, layout, and design. The architecture of Winthrop is inspired by the Bostonian area in the Pre-World War II era. In preparation for design and building the Sullivans would actually takes pictures and measure alleyways and street ways of places they liked in Paris, New York, and other areas. The Sullivans wanted to create a community that was designed for the people, in particular the pedestrian instead of the car-driver, where within the community everything is accessible by either walking or biking. Winthrop is designed for every type of individual and can create an environment where one can have access to living a fulfilling and successful life. “Our community offers ease of living and access to all the needs of all

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types of individuals such as families, children, the ageing population and even the disabled” Kay Sullivan explained.

Winthrop Town Center is an evolving community that has taken 15 years to build from the beginning to today, and is becoming stronger every day as elements are added. “It takes patience and time to create a small town, there is not a building we have built that we are not happy about.” said John Sullivan. For the Sullivans It takes just as much time and patience when it comes to choosing who they use as a proprietor for a business or restaurant that becomes part of Winthrop. “We choose businesses and restaurants where the proprietor is on site and available so we can maintain and build a relationship.”

Sullivan continues, “Even in our Publix we establish great relationships with the managers and people who work within the store.” Winthrop employs over 2300 full time and part time employees, 1150 of which are employed full-time. If one was to work and live within Winthrop it could almost alleviate the need to have a car.

Winthrop Town Center offers a slice of Americana, where people are invited to not just live, but take part as

active participants in their community. Kay Sullivan explains that in order to build a community you need the “hardware”, but you also need the “software” which is the heart of the community.” “We work just as hard on the heart of the community as we work on the infrastructure.” The Sullivans are local town founders who are impassioned enough to make sure that heart is infused into every aspect of Winthrop Town Center. Every day spent at Winthrop offers one the ability to create multiple connections with the people who live and work there. Winthrop Town Center has truly become a place or destination that can serve as a reminder and example of what it means to be connected together as a real community.

Winthrop Town Centre Office: 6037 Winthrop Commerce Avenue Riverview, FL 33569 | (813) 681-3480 John E. Sullivan, Founder / President Winthrop Town Builders, LLC Cindy Manchesi, Sales / Leasing / Construction Winthrop Town Builders, LLC 813-681-3480 office | 813-598-6944 cell cmanchesi@winthropusa.com

Some of the Property Highlights of Winthrop are: • Winthrop Town Centre is part of a 149acre, mixed-use development • Offering 240,000 square feet of retail and services to the adjacent communities • Great mix of established tenants Moe’s Southwest Grill, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Acropolis Greek Taverna and Starbucks • Hotel and apartment community construction within walking distance to Centre • Traffic count at Bloomingdale & Providence Road: 60,000 cars per day • Surrounding trade area count: 600,000 • 3% population increase since 2000 from 130,000 to 170,000 • Median household income: $62,000 • Average household income: $72,000 • 61% of homeowners have an average home value of $134,000

Businesses: • A Children’s Kastle Early Learning Center • Acit Therapy • Affinity Title Agency, Inc • Bay Area Physicians Surgery Center • Bay Area Urology, Inc. • Brandon Bikeworks • Brandon Lakes Animal Hospital • Florida Medical Clinic • Impulse Studios Dance & Fitness • Maxim Insurance Group • Pediatric Associates Tampa Bay • Prospect Mortgage • Railroad Industrial Federal Credit Union • Regions Bank • Sew N’Tell Alterations • Sherrif Substation • Streamline Financial Services, Inc • Studio / C Photography • Tampa Bay Times • The Realty Group • Yellowfin Realty

Restaurants and Dining: • Acropolis Greek Taverna • Cappy’s Pizzeria • Ciccio Cali Brandon • Eats! American Grill • Egg & I • Five Guys Burgers & Fries • Menchies Frozen Yogurt • Moe’s Southwest Grill • Starbucks

Shopping: • Al’s Tennis Shop • Asonipse Spa & Salon • Beaux Arts Gallery • Fast Frame • JB Jewelers • My Broken Phone • Optics Soho • Posh Nail & Spa • Publix • Sketch & Sip • Winthrop Liquors

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ADVENTURES ARCHERY YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

BY JUDY RONEY

A

dventures Archery is the largest archery pro shop in the southeast. Their customer base expands the entire state but they mainly serve local Brandon and Tampa residents at their range.

Dani Edelmann, Public Outreach Coordinator for Adventure Archery, answered the questions posed here by Focus.

How many employees does AA have?

Twelve employees total. They range from bow technicians, certified coaches, sales people, and cashiers. There is also an inventory maintenance person and a public outreach coordinator. However, all our employees are certified and knowledgeable in each department and ready to assist our customers.

How would you describe AA? Our business is a family owned and operated facility that offers personalized customer service with a wide variety of competitively priced products and

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services. We enjoy all aspects of archery.

Each of our employees is an avid bow hunters and/or competitor that hopes to translate their passion for the sport to others.

What services do you offer at AA? We aim to be more than just an archery retail center. In addition to sales of archery and hunting equipment, we also offer repair and maintenance services, annual memberships, group classes, private lessons, birthday parties, team building events, equipment rental, open ranges, and special events. We also host archery league night each Wednesday and multiple tournaments per year benefiting local charities. A large majority of our efforts are aimed at getting youth involved in archery and bow hunting.

What is the price range for equipment and lessons?

Group lessons begin at $10 per person for one hour of shooting instruction. A one hour lesson with equipment is only $15.

Do you have to be fit to take up this sport?

Archery is a sport that does not discriminate. We see archers of all ages and physical condition. If you walk out onto our range at any time, you will notice that there are just as many women and youth archers as men. We see successful archers of all different fitness levels.

In what ways do you give back to the community?

We host tournaments every other month to benefit local charities, such as the Women’s Resource Center of Tampa. We volunteer at certain events if we are given enough notice. We offer donations to youth, veteran, and other groups or charities that inquire. These donations are usually used by the nonprofit groups as a raffle item, and/or to raise money for their cause.

What are AA’s goals?

Most of our goals revolve around creating a positive and rewarding customer experience. We hope that

INFORMATION ADVENTURES ARCHERY 2210 S. US Highway 301 Ste 200 Tampa, FL 33619 (813)664-8700 info@adventuresarchery.com

every one of our customers feel as though we were able to cater to their personal needs.

What equipment do you need to learn the sport?

Fortunately for our customers, the only thing you need to learn archery is yourself ! We offer equipment rental and lessons. We cover archery and range safety before we allow anyone to participate.

If you want to learn the basics or perfect your archery skills, go out to Adventures Archery. Their dedicated and knowledgeable staff is ready to answer any of your questions. There are 22 so you never have trouble getting a spot.

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON FEBRUARY 2015

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S

IT IS TOUGH BEING TOUGH

BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN

T

hrough hard work, dedication, and determination, Dakota Greene has managed to accomplish great things in his wrestling career. Hours spent practicing at the gym and the courage to keep improving as an athlete has been beneficial to him and his future. Dakota Greene is a varsity wrestler and a Senior at Brandon High School. He has been wrestling since he was six years old. He was introduced to wrestling at a young age when his father was the wrestling coach at Durant. Throughout the years his passion has grown for the sport.

Dakota has explained, “There is no one holding you back in wrestling, it is just about if I’m better than guy I’m up against.”

Dakota competes in the 170 weight group. He has gone undefeated this year and over all high school he has won 216 matches and only lost 16. He is a three time NHSCA All American and Greco wrestler. “At Brandon,

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wrestling gets very competitive, there are many talented guys on the team.”

Greene described, it helped him train harder and to become a better wrestler.

There is always a greater challenge to overcome for Dakota.

As an academic athlete Dakota practices three hours a day on top of school and Dual Enrollment classes at Hillsborough County Community college. The balancing act is all he knows, the past twelve years for him have just been a routine.

It is clear that Dakota had goals for himself that pushed him to keep working through his busy life. His drive on and off the wrestling mat created great opportunities for his future. He has committed to wrestle at Drexel University in Philadelphia this fall. Dakota is a great example of an athlete that works hard to achieve his dreams. Congratulation Dakota Greene for being Athlete of the Month.

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Tenants have 24/7 access as well as use of the meeting rooms (upon availability).

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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 FEBRUARY 2015

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DURANT BASEBALL OF 2015 TAKES THE FIELD

BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN

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urant Baseball is a lively bunch.

The team bases their foundation on family,that is what has made their program so successful. Coach Valdez has coached at Durant for the past seven years and he has high hopes for this team. “This is the most talented team we’ve had in many years.” Valdez explained, he is interested in seeing how they will play together as well. The first

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game of the season is February 10th against Newsome at home.

There are many players to watch this season Bryce Gainer, a senior, will be leading the pitching staff, and Jake Sullivan, a junior, will be huge behind the plate and the bat. Jonah Scolaro will definitely show everybody what Durant’s future will look like. Then nine seniors will determine who takes on the

leadership role.

The boys are looking forward to this season for many reasons. “I can’t wait to hit some dingers!,” Jake Sullivan laughed. To this team there isn’t a better feeling than when their bat meets the ball and getting to make some of their last high school memories. “Playing with my old baseball buddies one last year,” Steven Bradley described. Even

though it’s important to the athletes to have successful season, having a good time while accomplishing that is just as important. “Getting each other pumped during the game is something I’m really looking forward to this season,” Jonah Scolaro explained.

In the off season the team does many things to prepare for the season.

As individuals the guys work on hitting and throwing every day. They also did many team bonding events including going on a team camping trip to Medard Park and, a paint ball tournament. All the times spent bonding with their teammates will not only create lasting friendships but a team that will be cohesive with one another.

Congratulations Durant Baseball on being the Team of the Month!

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689-4040 902 E. Brandon Blvd.

Now Open Our board certified physicians are ready to meet the healthcare needs of your entire family—from babies to grandparents. Our physicians provide a range of healthcare services, from immunizations and treatment of childhood illnesses to well woman exams and management of chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Bloomingdale Ave.

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Edgar Vallejo, Owner

CALI VIEJO COLUMBIAN RESTAURANT KICKS IT UP WITH LATIN FUSION FLAVOR

BY HEATHER DAVIS | PHOTOS BY OSCAR JOEL HERRERA

I

n the hustle and bustle of life in Brandon, it can be easy to overlook some of the gems that are found within our community. Especially when whizzing down Hwy. 60 it can be easy to overlook the locally owned proprietor run restaurants, perhaps in search for a chain or a recognized name.

A restaurant that is making quite a stir in our community and a name for itself is Cali Viejo. Cali Viejo had its beginning little over twelve years ago, when owner Edgar Vallejo and his family came to Brandon from New York to create a new life and begin a restaurant.

What began in little over 600 square feet of space has now encompassed a whole building with two restaurant spaces. One of the restaurant spaces is more casual in appearance while the other space is a little more upscale and includes a bar that serves beer and wine. You can order off of the same menu in both places.

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When we arrived Sunday afternoon the restaurant was full and busy, but very welcoming. It feels like the kind of place you want to come visit with family and friends, sit back and relax and enjoy a fine meal with conversation. Restaurant owner, Edgar Vallejo was extremely welcoming and made one feel like you are coming home to eat with family.

Cali Viejo serves food that is a fusion of Columbian, Mexican, Cuban, Ecuadorian, and Argentinian. The menu items are truly unique in that it encompasses flavors from all the regions of South America. Vallejo created the menu, not by following in anyone’s footsteps but in forging ahead with his own creativity when it comes to Latin Cuisine.

The food was nothing short of unforgettable with each menu item served coming out hot and fresh in great presentation and style. First on the list

of items we tried were the Columbian empanadas. The empanadas which were filled with beef and potato came out warm and moist with the right consistency of flavors and textures. When Vallejo first opened his restaurant he had to quickly learn to adapt his menu to what people were asking for. One of the items that was most requested was Cuban black beans and yellow rice. We had a chance to try the black beans and yellow rice along with the traditional Cuban sandwich, both extremely delicious and everything you expect from a real authentic Cuban sandwich with black beans and rice. What I haven’t been able to put out of my mind was the green plantain sandwich. Thick slices of fried plantain with beef, cheese, and a chimichurri sauce, made for one of the best sandwiches I have ever tried.

Main course items we sampled include the ropa vieja, pieces of shredded pork, perfectly seasoned and tender and the chicken with mushrooms, equally tender, moist and flavorful. The menu at Cali Viejo is extensive, so you will not leave hungry or unsatisfied.

Last but not least we tried two homemade desserts, tres leche and

INFORMATION CALI VIEJO 436 E. Brandon Blvd.

Brandon, FL 33511 813-685-3715 Hours: Mon-Sat, 7am-10pm Sun, 8am-9pm

tiramisu, of which we were informed that everything at Cali Veijo is always homemade. And from the taste of these two desserts you can tell that, yes, everything is homemade and fresh. The café con leche, of which I drank two cups was delicious as well. Natural smoothies are also available and are made with fresh fruit. I recommend trying the mora (red berry) smoothie which is refreshing and something unique and wonderful. Cali Viejo is also open for breakfast with a special breakfast menu.

Cali Viejo is available for catering and also helps put together special events for any occasion at The Barn at Winthrop. To find out more about weekly events, specials and catering you may visit their website at www. caliviejorestaurant.com.

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