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News

No Toreador Crimson carpet for GMD.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 4, 2021
April Fool's strikes again in the Observer

Wacky sources, paper-thin premises, ludicrously misshapen story angles add up to our annual festival of foolishness.

  • April Fools
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 3, 2021
Whitney Plaza owner seeks residential density referendum

10 units proposed in letter to mayor seeking special election.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
David Mahler, the head of school at the Out-of-Door Academy, will resign after 17 years with the school. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 1, 2021
ODA head of school, who oversees Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota campuses, resigns

David Mahler, the head of school at the Out-of-Door-Academy, announces resignation.

  • East County
  • News
Scott Hopes was appointed Manatee County Administrator on an interim basis Thursday. He will remain on the Manatee County School Board until a replacement is found.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 1, 2021
Manatee County Commissioners appoint Hopes as interim administrator

Scott Hopes will remain on the Manatee County School Board until a replacement is found

  • East County
  • News
In order to further engage officials on the possibility of remaining in the city, the Sarasota Orchestra is asking the City Commission to make a policy determination that it is permissible to construct a venue at Payne Park.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 1, 2021
Orchestra holds firm on Payne Park request

Despite community optimism about finding a workable compromise, the Sarasota Orchestra stands by its belief that it needs to use land in Payne Park to remain in the city.

  • Sarasota
  • News
David Drake, who is 5 years old, has collected nearly a dozen rocks during his rock hunt at Kids R Kids Learning Academy.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 1, 2021
APRIL FOOLS — No eggs? Simply rock on in Lakewood Ranch

APRIL FOOLS — Lakewood Ranch moms hosts rock hunt to replace cancelled egg hunt events.

  • April Fools
Could aging rocker Robert Plant end up with another kind of Stairway to Heaven?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 1, 2021
APRIL FOOLS — Rocker rendezvous about to take place in the Lake Club of Lakewood Ranch

APRIL FOOLS — Stairway to Heaven Assisted Living Facility could bring together amazing musicians in Lakewood Ranch.

  • April Fools
Landen Mavrikas hit the waves with his skimboard. Harry Sayer
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 1, 2021
Spring break puts area businesses back on track

Local officials and business owners say tourism is back on track with some reporting their most successful season yet.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Commissioners hope to address the three main complaints of short-term rentals: noise, garbage and parking.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 1, 2021
Commissioners hope to tweak short term rental rules

Commissioners aim to update its 2011 ordinance to better fit the current short term rental climate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2021
APRIL FOOLS: Subscription parking service comes to town

Fee-based system allows free reign to leave vehicles where ever driver wants.

  • April Fools
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2021
APRIL FOOLS: Wide range of user fees hit the beach

County rolls out a series of new charges to help financial balance.

  • April Fools
A quarter-scale test dune was created on Bradenton Beach to rest the feasibility.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2021
APRIL FOOLS: 'Dirt-cheap' deal on sand

BOGO purchase for beaches will lead to long-term supply, five-story dunes.

  • April Fools
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2021
APRIL FOOLS: Affluent effluent a treat for the environment, study reveals

Town's smart food and drink choices are benefiting Sarasota Bay's ecosystem.

  • April Fools
Man-made? Really!
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2021
APRIL FOOLS: WOKE group urges town to wake up over landmarks

Organization says Longboat names are insensitive and demands new ones.

  • April Fools
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2021
APRIL FOOLS: Artist finds his new direction edgy, arresting

Longbeach Village tenant captures the "outlaw moment" in works inspired by police reports.

  • April Fools
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Latest News

1
Together, John and Shannon Barton make the "Roaring '20s" at the Great Gatsby-themed annual dinner for members of the Friars Club. Attendees shared their favorite memories from the season and gave out awards at the March 24 celebration at the Harbourside Ballroom.
  • March 27, 2026
Friars golfers throw back to Roaring '20s
2
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
  • March 27, 2026
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
3
Drayton Saunders acceps a Champion For Children award for MSC Foundation and President and CEO of Safe Children Coalition Brena Slater
  • March 27, 2026
Safe Children Coalition names 2026 Champions for Children
4
Theo Chien and Peter Ginsburg test out their fire helmets at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house on March 25 at Station 92. The pair picked out some fire station-themed toys while meeting first responder staff at the annual event.
  • March 27, 2026
Longboat families connect with first responders
5
The Umbrella House was built in 1953.
  • March 27, 2026
An architectural landmark receives recognition

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