No feud for this family in Lakewood Ranch

Alliance hosts first large in-person networking event.

  • By Pam Eubanks
  • | 9:40 a.m. August 28, 2020
  • East County
  • Business
  • Share

East County resident Katie O'Driscoll was ready for some socializing and competition Aug. 28 as she made her rounds with friends at Heritage Harbour Golf and Eatery.

She ventured out for her first in-person networking event with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and was ready to take on her friends and colleagues at a competition of "Family Feud."

"I could not wait to sign up," O'Driscoll said as she chatted with friend Karen Medford, owner of Sirius Day Spa in Lakewood Ranch. "I need to see my friends' faces. The Alliance is a small community. We all get to know each other."

She and about 40 other members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance met for in-person networking, food and drink and a festive game of "Family Feud." Participants were sure to wear facial masks, but said they were happy to be amongst friends and meeting fellow professionals despite the safety precautions.

 

Panther Ridge's Angela Smith and Sarasota's Ashley Boyd represent Al Purmort Insurance while St. Petersburg's Michelle Sampson represents Cool Today.
Panther Ridge's Angela Smith and Sarasota's Ashley Boyd represent Al Purmort Insurance while St. Petersburg's Michelle Sampson represents Cool Today.
Macy's at The Mall at UTC's Keri Slepecky and Merdith Mescher, with Westin Sarasota's Nicole Barnard, are ready to play Family Feud.
Macy's at The Mall at UTC's Keri Slepecky and Merdith Mescher, with Westin Sarasota's Nicole Barnard, are ready to play Family Feud.
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Board Chairwoman Lisa Kirkland meets member Lidia Haim, of Cool Today.
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Board Chairwoman Lisa Kirkland meets member Lidia Haim, of Cool Today.
Central Park resident Jeff Muchmore, of Muchmore Business Intelligence, said it was
Central Park resident Jeff Muchmore, of Muchmore Business Intelligence, said it was "weird" to network while wearing a mask.
Debbie Shaffer, of Cool Today, Plumbing Today and Energy Today, networks with Suncoast News Network's Diane de Spirlet.
Debbie Shaffer, of Cool Today, Plumbing Today and Energy Today, networks with Suncoast News Network's Diane de Spirlet.
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance past chairwoman Heather Williams and member Judy Atari grab dinner before sitting down for the Family Feud competition.
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance past chairwoman Heather Williams and member Judy Atari grab dinner before sitting down for the Family Feud competition.
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance
"We're going to win this," said Lakewood Ranch's Ashley Watts, of Meadows Country Club, as she sat with Laura Latanzio, of TPC Prestancia.
Dustin Fusillo, of Air & Energy, introduces himself before
Dustin Fusillo, of Air & Energy, introduces himself before "Family Feud" begins.

 

Latest News

You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
  • December 4, 2025
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
  • December 4, 2025
Hurricane season ends without Florida landfall
Sarasota Police Department personnel monitor Sarasota's network of cameras, license plate readers, gunshot detectors and other devices in the nearly completed Real-Time Operations Center.
  • December 4, 2025
SPD set to grow its city camera system
Longboat Key Police Chief Russ Mager speaks at a Rotary Club of Longboat Key meeting Tuesday, Sept. 16. Mager, who spent nearly three decades in law enforcement primarily in Delray Beach, said LBKPD has training requirements similar to the much larger city of Delray and that officers on the Key are well prepared for any event that may take place thanks to partnerships the department has with neighboring jurisdictions.
  • December 4, 2025
Longboat police chief begins community video series

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content