April Fools

By Michael Harris
April 2, 2025

It's annual, it's fun, and we gotcha with the Observer's April Fool's editions

SRQ's Rick Piccolo had to dispel a "rumor" that SpaceX is building a spaceport at the airport.

April Fools

By Michael Harris
April 1, 2025
For Subscribers

APRIL FOOL: Sarasota to give street racers a course of action

During weekend evenings, organized drag racing on Fruitville will become an avenue racers will enjoy.

April Fools

By Observer Staff
April 1, 2025

APRIL FOOL: Tolls proposed for Siesta bridges

Revenues would be earmarked for storm damage repair costs.

April Fools

By Carter Weinhofer
April 1, 2025
For Subscribers

APRIL FOOL: Musk moves to Longboat Key as SpaceX finds space in SRQ

Billionaire Elon Musk plans to purchase space in the St. Regis Longboat Key for the new Department of Government Efficiency headquarters amid the SRQ SpaceX development.

April Fools

By Observer Staff
April 1, 2025

APRIL FOOL: City to require Lido Beach passes

Vehicle passes will be required to make four-hour reservations at Lido Beach.

April Fools

By Michael Harris
April 1, 2025
For Subscribers

APRIL FOOL: Longboat Key drivers will now pay toll to get on the island

Commissioners hope to curtail heavy traffic which has plagued Gulf of Mexico Drive for years.

April Fools

By Jay Heater
April 1, 2025
For Subscribers

APRIL FOOL: You can pick a truck, but you can't park it

HOAs create "The Box" to set a standard for those wanting to park in their driveway.

April Fools

By Jay Heater
April 1, 2025

APRIL FOOL: County toys with idea for new events center

The fluorescent facility would light up Premier.

April Fools

By Jay Heater
April 1, 2025

APRIL FOOL: County takes direction toward corrections

The corrections department will take over most of the Lakewood Ranch Library's second floor.

April Fools

By Observer Staff
April 1, 2025
For Subscribers

APRIL FOOL: New option for city logo emerges

New design incorporates the city's cultural history in the statue of David with its circus legacy.

April Fools

By Observer Staff
April 1, 2025

APRIL FOOL: Countywide government consolidation effort launched

Grassroots group seeking referendum on 2026 ballot.

April Fools

By Louis Llovio
April 1, 2025
For Subscribers

APRIL FOOL: DeSantis to recast Unconditional Surrender as the Trumps

The governor has included an amendment in an existing bill to fund the project that will replace the sailor and nurse in the iconic Sarasota statue.

April Fools

By Carter Weinhofer
April 1, 2025

APRIL FOOL: Town expedites permits for two-story parking garage

The decks will be at 3100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive, across from Starbucks

April Fools

By Observer Staff
April 1, 2024

The Observer plays dirty for April Fools’ Day

Our annual April Fools’ Day edition was published on March 28.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Jay Heater
April 1, 2024

APRIL FOOL: Is Manatee County out on a wire with bridge plan?

Engineers begin planning for a suspension bridge at Fort Hamer.

April Fools

By James Peter
April 1, 2024

APRIL FOOL: New city of Sarasota logo unveiled

The new logo will transform Sarasota into a global city on par with Milan or Paris, says design team.

April Fools

By Observer Staff
April 1, 2024
For Subscribers

APRIL FOOL: Siesta Key identified as first Florida Gulf Coast cruise stop

A cruise line plans to reopen Midnight Pass to bring thousands of passengers twice each week.

April Fools

By Petra Rivera
April 1, 2024

APRIL FOOL: GMD shut down for filming of 'The Fast and the Furious 11'

Director Speedy Murray shares his love for Longboat Key and excitement for the last movie in the series.

April Fools

By Observer Staff
April 1, 2024

APRIL FOOL: Wiener dog racing stadium planned for St. Armands Circle

Dachshunds will soon be dashing around the track as pari-mutuel racing comes to Circle Park.

April Fools

By Ian Swaby
April 1, 2024

APRIL FOOL: Application for sushi charter school to be approved

Students at a new charter school will learn how to make sushi and sashimi while simultaneously learning how to spell “sushi” and “sashimi.”

April Fools

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