Agave Bandido hosts Cinco de Mayo party in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch

The Cinco de Mayo party at Agave Bandido wasn't just for humans.

Waterside's David Schicht and Amy Liberto didn't want to leave their dogs — Waylon Jennings, Skylar Marie and Clarence Carter — home, so they dressed them as tacos and brought them along.

Liberto said she couldn't resist breaking out the outfits for the May 5 celebration in Waterside Place.

Agave Bandido's event included stilt walkers and a fire performer from Prism Artistry along with featuring the band Jah Movement. 

Shantel Norman, the lead vocalist of Jah Movement, said the band's goal always is to bring people together.

"We all are different colors and our political views are all different, but we all bleed red," Norman said. "We need to be there and support each other. Every time I get on the stage, I want people to smile, hold hands together, meet somebody new, and tell each other they love each other." 

Blake Campbell, the director of operations for Agave Bandido, said this is the third year they have gone all out for Cinco de Mayo. He said they are known for throwing "wild parties."

"It's not always about making money ... It's about supporting the local community," Campbell said. "It's about bringing people out to make new friends and have a good time." 

Lakewood Ranch's Jamie Huther's favorite part of the event was the energy. She said there was a great mix of people enjoying themselves.

"Lakewood Ranch has grown so much and there are more events and places to go," Huther said. "It makes the community feel vibrant and connected."