April Fools' stories elicit funny reader responses

The Longboat Observer’s April Fools’ edition seems to have received more feedback this year than most.

For the record: The stories on pages 1A to 4A in the March 29 issue of the Longboat Observer are not true! Here are some of the stories we’ve heard regarding this year’s April Fools’ issue.

+ The Nudist Colony
• “I wanted to tell you how much I learned from your update on Longboat Key … Since our place is in Bradenton, I don’t get into the Longboat Key details very much … I enjoyed the April Fools’ edition, when I picked up one today on the way home. I have to tell you a story about last year’s prank. We have friends who stay on Longboat Key, and they frantically called us to say that there would be a toll gate installed at the bridge and that it would cost $5 to come see them. We listened and asked if maybe it could be April Fools’, and as you know, it was. No frantic calls about the nudist colony yet.” — Bill Wartinbee

+ Gulf of Mexico closing:
• Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce Executive Assistant Dawn Mims received a call from a concierge at the Longboat Key Club and Resort. His boss asked him to call about their concern with the closing of the Gulf of Mexico.

+ The Real Housewives of LBK:
• Community Editor Mallory Gnaegy received a voicemail from a resident calling on behalf of his wife. If someone could please call her with further information about casting, she would be interested.

• Roy Robinson made T-shirts for his wife, Lisa, and her friends who consider themselves the Real Housewives of Longboat Key. He made them a few weeks ago and sent a photo in after reading our article. “They’d put Atlanta and Beverly Hills to shame!” he says.

• “Real housewife” Wendy Feinstein, who was featured in our April Fools’ article, posted a link to the article on her Facebook wall. A friend she had talked to for a half-hour earlier in the day called Feinstein back later that night. “How could you talk to me for a whole half-hour without even mentioning you were going to be on TV?” the friend yelled. “I want to know the air date, what channel and when it will be on TV. I’m going to film every episode!”

Feinstein attended the Orchid Ball Saturday, and she handed a business card to a couple. The woman replied, “Oh my god! You were the first one picked!” she said.