Food Truck Wars to make first Tampa appearance

The food truck trend is an increasingly competitive craze, but on Oct. 20 the Channel District of Tampa will make it an all-out battle. Food Truck Wars, a Central Florida event that has drawn some 30,000 attendees, will make its first Tampa appearance. Bay area trucks such as Gone Bananas and Hot Mess Truck will face off against competitors such as Central Florida's Honey Dripper and Taco Slapper. Categories will include a People's Choice award, Awesome Dessert and — perhaps most indulgently — Largest Single Food Item. It will run from 4 to 10 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Channel District of downtown Tampa. There will be 40 food trucks, live music and children's activities. — Jimmy Geurts