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News

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2011
News Briefs

APRIL FOOLS - iPads shuffle off County Commission table; CLUCK gets some company down on the farm; Pizza shop's truck to draw ire of Siesta Key residents

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • April 1, 2011
New pension options please city retirees

APRIL FOOLS -- Unable to pay its pensioners in actual cash, the city has come up with several options that will still provide benefits and will rescue the city's budget.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch may be forced to stop using its name because of a provision contained in the property's original land grant.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 1, 2011
JEOPARDY

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - Because of original land grants from the Spanish government, Lakewood Ranch may be forced to pay a $5 billion 'territorial payment' or change its name.

  • East County
  • News
Derricks such as these will dot the Summerfield community.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 1, 2011
Ranch CDD considers oil drilling

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - At least one Lakewood Ranch CDD 1 official hopes the option of oil drilling on CDD property could help reduce assessments for residents.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
Ranch Friends challenge incorporation group to sumo

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - Friends of Lakewood Ranch leaders want to settle the debate regarding incorporation through ancient Japanese wrestling.

  • East County
  • News
Charlie Sheen and Ken Sanborn say their new partnership is a win-win scenario.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
Sanborn: Studios, Sheen a winning combination (VIDEO)

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - Former 'Two and a Half Men' star Charlie Sheen is the frontrunner to star in Sanborn Studios' next series, 'Myakka City 52/365.'

  • Arts + Culture
The new mascot for the combined Lakewood Ranch/Braden River team will be a live horse wearing a pirate hat.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
District to combine Braden River, Lakewood teams

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - To help balance both schools' budgets, the Lakewood Ranch Mustangs and Braden River Pirates will become one team beginning next fall.

  • East County
  • News
The Jensen statue will be similar to the famous Rocky statue in Philadelphia, Pa.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
SMR to build Jensen statue

APRIL FOOLS' DAY -- Just two weeks after Schroeder-Manatee Ranch unveiled the name and logo of its new sports complex off State Road 70, officials have decided to change both.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
Ranch changes signature color

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - One year after changing its signature color, Lakewood Ranch is again swapping swatches.

  • East County
  • News
Clair
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 1, 2011
ELECTION DEBACLE

APRIL FOOLS - Because all town elections from the last four years are invalid due to advertising errors, the Town Commission must hold an emergency special election to re-vote for all commissioners.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 1, 2011
Key license-plate cameras to reduce crime, raise funds

APRIL FOOLS -- Longboat Key Police Chief Al Hogle is investigating a license-plate recognition system that would give Key residents exclusive rights to the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tricycle rider Freda Perrotta follows all the rules of the road, such as wearing a helmet, when she cruises down Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 1, 2011
Longboat tricycle riders want third-wheel treatment to halt

APRIL FOOLS - A new battle is pedaling its way onto Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2011
By the numbers

APRIL FOOLS - The town is currently facing a projected budget shortfall of $667,388.01 due to declining property values and skyrocketing pension costs. Fortunately, the Organizational Review Subcommittee found creative ways to cut town costs and are holding officials responsible for every penny. Here is a breakdown of how they will make up for the shortfall.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2011
In Brief

APRIL FOOLS -- Repaving to take residents down memory lane; Heat is on for Longboat volunteer firefighters; Paradise found in U.S. Census Bureau numbers

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
Meet the new Lakewood Ranch

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - After watching the incorporation debate rage in their neighboring community to the south, leaders in Heritage Harbour, GreyHawk Landing, Greenfield Plantation and Mill Creek have organized to petition for incorporation.

  • East County
  • News
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