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April Fools

The new county logo after the merging of Venice and Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2025
APRIL FOOL: Countywide government consolidation effort launched

Grassroots group seeking referendum on 2026 ballot.

  • April Fools
Weekend drag racing could be coming to downtown Sarasota.
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • April 1, 2025
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
A possible parking garage to be built on Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    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
SpaceX plans to open a launch site as part of a new expansion at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 1, 2025
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
FDOT hopes The SunPass system will deter traffic snarls during the heavy season on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • April 1, 2025
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
Siesta Key could be getting a toll sinilar to this one to get on the island.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2025
APRIL FOOL: Tolls proposed for Siesta bridges

Revenues would be earmarked for storm damage repair costs.

  • April Fools
APRIL FOOL: City to require Lido Beach passes
    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
The new and updated version of the Unconditional Surrender will get a Presidential facelift.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • April 1, 2025
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
The new City of Sarasota logo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2025
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
  • 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: 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 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, 2024
The Observer plays dirty for April Fools’ Day

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

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2024
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
  • 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
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 »
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Latest News

1
Tony Barrett is running for the at-large District 6 commission seat in Manatee County.
  • April 1, 2026
East Manatee fire commissioner enters at-large County Commission race
2
  • April 1, 2026
Citywide speed limits set at 20 mph on local streets
3
The southern end of Longboat Key feature many mid-rise condo buildings including the Beaches of Longboat Key (right, built in 1984), Regent Place of Longboat Key (middle two buildings, built in 1995) and Longboat Key Towers (left two buildings, built in 1970).
  • April 1, 2026
Inspections show LBK condo buildings in sound shape but come at a cost
4
Myakka's Sydney McCullough shows off the first place ribbon and belt buckle she won in January for whip cracking in the senior division at the Manatee County Fair.
  • April 1, 2026
Cracking a whip has been a snap for Myakka teenager
5
Man falls for electronic payments scam of $6,000
  • April 1, 2026
Man falls for electronic payments scam of $6,000

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