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April Fools

One Sarasota Tower is the scene for one of Ethan Hunt’s (Tom Cruise) thrilling action scenes.
    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
The Book ’em Danno Boy is served with a free ride home.
    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
Trucking companies are planning to file a lawsuit over the height of proposed Welcome to Longboat Key arches.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2026
APRIL FOOL: Longboat plans arches of its own

Car carriers cry foul over low clearance.

  • April Fools
APRIL FOOL: 'Schools of Dope' campus envisioned in Sarasota
    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
A test building in San Diego demonstrates the see-through technology. Sarasota’s proposal would be nearly seven times higher and covered in video panels.
    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
Once a bus is loaded with office supplies, it will deliver them to county staffers.
    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
  • 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
The Taco Shell fast-food chain will be the first such res­taur­ant at Water­side Place, although this one will be sail­ing on King­fisher Lake.
    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
APRIL FOOL: City Island Mote takes on new rehab focus
    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
City officials say golfers and petroengineers will have to coexist on the property while gas is extracted.
    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
Drivers will need to come to almost a stop to negotiate a planned series of speed bumps on White Eagle Boulevard.
    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
For Longboaters, commuting to the north is about to be an either-oar situation.
    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
Billboards to help finance the monorail plan will focus on activities and products most likely to be of interest to riders, such as eco-tourism destinations.
    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
  • 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
SpaceX plans to open a launch site as part of a new expansion at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
    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
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest News

1
Man falls for electronic payments scam of $6,000
  • April 1, 2026
Man falls for electronic payments scam of $6,000
2
Garden Club President Melanie Dale helps lead efforts to beautify and support the Longboat Key community. Butterflies visit flowering plants cultivated to support pollinators, reflecting the club's focus on sustainable, Florida-friendly landscapes.
  • April 1, 2026
Longboat Garden Club's efforts help beautify and nurture a community
3
Harry's Continental Kitchens has been a local favorite for decades.
  • April 1, 2026
A staple of Longboat Key for over 40 years, Harry's Continental Kitchens keeps it fresh
4
The home at 590 Birdie Lane sold for $5.5 million. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,297 square feet of living area.
  • April 1, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 16-20 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key
5
"Anne Packard: An Artist's Resolve" screens at the Sarasota Film Festival on Sunday, April 12, with the artist and director Arthur Egeli in attendance.
  • April 1, 2026
The 2026 Sarasota Film Festival takes flight

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