April Fools

By Kat Wingert
April 2, 2026

In pursuit of a good laugh

From monorails to teeny-tiny garbage bins, we spread the jokes out last week in our April Fools’ issue. Readers were amused … mostly.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Observer Staff
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: City Island Mote takes on new rehab focus

The animal rehab facility is going for gold with its newest rescue focus.

April Fools

By Jay Heater
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: Taco Shell sails into the Waterside Place market

The fast-food restaurant, modeled after another entry, will float the idea of convenience at the Lakewood Ranch hub.

April Fools

By S.T. Cardinal
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: Monorail will ease traffic on Longboat Key

With the capacity to hold 150 passengers, the monorail will have stops at a beach access, pickleball courts, a resort and Publix.

April Fools

By Eric Garwood
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: Longboat plans arches of its own

Car carriers cry foul over low clearance.

April Fools

By Observer Staff
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: Fracking planned beneath Bobby Jones Golf Club

Rigging for a fracking operation beneath Bobby Jones Golf Club to be built in adjacent nature park to not disturb golf operations.

April Fools

By S.T. Cardinal
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: Instead of 'no build' option, state pursues 'no bridge' option

The Longboat Pass Bridge will be demolished, but there won't be a new one erected in its place.

April Fools

By Jay Heater
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: Road proposal due for bumpy ride in Lakewood Ranch

White Eagle raceway about to get major alteration to discourage speeders.

April Fools

By Ian Swaby
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: New 'Mission: Impossible' film to be set in Sarasota

Filming is currently underway in Sarasota for "Mission: Impossible – Tropical Reckoning," a film that takes field agent Ethan Hunt to new latitudes.

April Fools

By S.T. Cardinal
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: Raccoons trained to pick up trash on Longboat

It’s billed as a win-win as the program will solve the island’s raccoon problem while reducing litter.

April Fools

By Observer Staff
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: Itching to promote native plants

The town of Longboat Key is planning to replant storm-damaged areas with Eastern Poison Ivy as its latest beautification initiative.

April Fools

By Observer Staff
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: 'Stuff the Breeze Bus' for county workers

Sarasota County government is cutting costs by requiring employees to supply their own office materials.

April Fools

By Eric Garwood
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: 'Schools of Dope' campus envisioned in Sarasota

High schoolers sought to begin training in a new, state-run industry.

April Fools

By Eric Garwood
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: Developer: 'Hard to see' any issues with 32-story Sarasota condo proposal

Project leader known for sports venues brings his 60-years-in-the-making plan to contentious city.

April Fools

By Eric Garwood
April 1, 2026

APRIL FOOL: Longboater mixes drinks, distinct cultures at his soon-to-open bar

Newcomer from Scotland says his mash-up makes perfect sense.

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 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 Observer Staff
April 1, 2025

APRIL FOOL: Countywide government consolidation effort launched

Grassroots group seeking referendum on 2026 ballot.

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

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