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Your Observer

Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?

The East County Observer gets plenty of reactions from the 2026 April Fools edition.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Tina Ciaccio | Michael Saunders & Company
  • April 2, 2026
For Sale: 8134 Pavia Way, Bradenton

Positioned on one acre inside the exclusive gated community of The Lake Club with breathtaking lakefront westerly views, herein lies an unparalleled opportunity in this 3,734 square foot residence.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Karie Friling meets with Sarasota community members during the open house portion of the immersive two-day interview process with four other finalists for the city manager position.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 2, 2026
New city manager finds dream job at Sarasota City Hall

Karie Friling had a long-time dream of retiring to Florida. She will arrive earlier than expected as the new Sarasota city manager.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nate Gold stands with his horse Alonzo.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 2, 2026
The key to happiness? Rock climber-turned-horse trainer says it's all about flow

After years of competition and traveling the world chasing his dreams, Nate Gold has found the most contentment at his Sarasota home with his family.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Landscaping projects such as the one proposed for South River Road SR 777) in Venice by the state transportation department are accounted for in the state budget. But upkeep is almost always a county responsibility, something Sarasota officials are concerned about.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 2, 2026
Costs connected to roadway landscaping concern county

State budget pays to plant in medians and shoulders of state roads, but only if Sarasota agrees to a forever-maintenance deal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Irrigation regulations have been increased as the region continues to see impacts from an extended drought.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 2, 2026
Watering restrictions increase as drought extends

A phase 3 water shortage means a narrower window to the once-a-week irrigation schedule already in place.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 2, 2026
Hurricane preparedness workshop scheduled in April

A panel of experts will share tips on how to stay prepared and informed during hurricane season.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ashlan Guengerich celebrates an out during Sarasota softball's game at Parrish Community on March 31. The senior owns a .528 batting average which ranks best among Sailors with 10 or more games played.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 2, 2026
Sarasota High softball eyes another deep postseason run

The Sailors are under new leadership but return major contributors from last year's state semifinalist finish.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota County has opened a 1.5-mile stretch of newly bifurcated Legacy Trail, separating bicyclists and other wheeled conveyances from walkers and runners.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 2, 2026
First phase of parallel track to Legacy Trail opens

A 1.5-mile stretch of bifurcated Legacy Trail opens to safely separate pedestrians from riders.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 4423 Bay Shore Road was built in 1938 and has five bedrooms, five-and-five-half baths, a pool and 7,615 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 2, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 16-20 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

An Indian Beach home on Bay Shore Road tops the week’s sales at $9.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Hall of fame coach Urban Meyer gets back to work in his new community
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • April 2, 2026
Hall of fame coach Urban Meyer gets back to work in his new community

College football coaching star Urban Meyer has traded the gridiron for the Gulf. His waterfront life is busy, yet with lots of time for boating, fishing and even golf with some powerful people.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
These dishes have delighted Sarasota-area barrier islands for decades.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • April 2, 2026
These one-of-a-kind dishes are signatures of the keys

The plates locals return for, visitors remember and kitchens have perfected for decades.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • April 2, 2026
In pursuit of a good laugh

From monorails to teeny-tiny garbage bins, we spread the jokes out last week in our April Fools’ issue. Readers were amused … mostly.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Aledia Tush, co-owner of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, has spent nearly five decades helping shape the business into a Siesta Key institution known for its welcoming spirit and family-first approach.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • April 2, 2026
After 50 years of change, the best things stay the same at this stalwart shop

A Siesta Key fixture for five decades, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters continues to thrive under the steady leadership of Aledia and Mason Tush.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The spacious living area features 16-foot-high ceilings and views out to a forest of palm trees.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • April 2, 2026
Lido Shores home pairs a modern aesthetic with splashes of personality

A Swiss architect's striking Lido Shores home blends clean lines, dramatic space and a deep connection to the tropical landscape.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Adnan Dedic
  • April 2, 2026
Adnan Dedic’s $30 Million Gulf-Front Exclusive

The resort life awaits in this one-of-a-kind sanctuary, currently under construction.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Walkers head out on the walk in 2025.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 1, 2026
Teams prepare for April 11 Walk to Defeat ALS

Last year, the annual walk raised $92,318 in support of resources and research for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse donated $100,000 to Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Season of Sharing fund.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2026
Culverhouses prime Season of Sharing with $100,000 donation

Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse have donated $100,000 to the annual Season of Giving fund to directly aid households in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This Lido Shores home at 1436 John Ringling Parkway is listed at $12.98 million.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2026
Lido Shores home hits the market at $12.98 million

The home at 1436 John Ringling Parkway is owned by It Works! co-founder and author of "Rich Girl Poor Girl."

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tony Barrett is running for the at-large District 6 commission seat in Manatee County.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 1, 2026
East Manatee fire commissioner enters at-large County Commission race

Tony Barrett hopes to earn a seat as his term as fire commissioner comes to an end.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 1, 2026
Citywide speed limits set at 20 mph on local streets

As part of Sarasota's traffic calming plan development, local street speed limits are capped at 20 miles per hour, faster for collector and arterial roads.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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).
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 1, 2026
Inspections show LBK condo buildings in sound shape but come at a cost

Milestone inspections are required by the state for three-story or higher condo buildings that are 30 years or older.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 1, 2026
Cracking a whip has been a snap for Myakka teenager

Sydney McCullough displays the art at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Man falls for electronic payments scam of $6,000
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2026
Man falls for electronic payments scam of $6,000

While liquidating assets prior to a move, a man transfers three transactions to an alleged buyer before finally figuring out he was conned. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
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.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • April 1, 2026
Longboat Garden Club's efforts help beautify and nurture a community

The Longboat Key Garden Club has spent decades transforming public spaces, supporting local causes and proving that gardening can be both glamorous and hands-on.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Harry's Continental Kitchens has been a local favorite for decades.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 1, 2026
A staple of Longboat Key for over 40 years, Harry's Continental Kitchens keeps it fresh

This Longboat Key landmark blends Old World cuisine, family tradition and a commitment to hospitality.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 1, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 16-20 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A The Condominium Residences at Longboat Key condominium on Gulf of Mexico Drive tops the week’s sales at $6.2 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approve the purchase of 9000 Town Center Parkway May 6.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 1, 2026
DOGE questions Manatee County's capital expenditures, additional staff

The purchase of an administration building in Lakewood Ranch and the expanded Information Outreach department were cited as examples of excessive spending.

  • East County
  • News
John Saputo (left), Denise Saputo (top center), Lorraine Vitale (right) and Dick Vitale (bottom center) at the "March Mayhem" fundraiser and Elite Eight watch party. The Saputos were the hosts March 28 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 1, 2026
March Mayhem fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch benefits pediatric cancer research

Dick Vitale, a four-time cancer survivor, hosted the event at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

  • East County
  • Sports
Artist Darina Bratkova, originally from Ukraine, is the creator of thought-provoking, water-based scenes that many visitors to St. Armands Circle first view when coming to the business hub. She shared how she got her start as an artist and her hopes for educating others in the future.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 1, 2026
St. Armands artist shares insight into thought-provoking art

After moving from Kyiv, Darina Bratkova found an opportunity to pursue her passion for art in Florida, growing to be a featured artist at a St. Armands Circle gallery.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch Little League plays at Lakewood Ranch Park March 25.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 1, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Little League expands to improve accessibility

Creative scheduling allows 762 children to participate in the league.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Traffic headed north off Longboat Key often backs up onto the Longboat Pass Bridge as Anna Maria Island has become a congestion hotspot on the barrier islands.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 1, 2026
Citizen survey shows love of Longboat, but road issues remain

Most takeaways weren’t a surprise, but the data still has value to town leaders.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bravo's Pizzeria & Italian Eatery at 1995 Main St. in Sarasota has closed.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • March 31, 2026
Pizzeria closes on Main Street in Sarasota

Bravo’s Pizza & Italian Eatery has shuttered next to the Hollywood 11 movie theater.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Bird Key Yacht Club members Carol Smith, Amy Lazarus and Beth Nothstine played instrumental roles in keeping the club's lecture series fresh this season by inviting friends to tell their fascinating life stories. Closing out the series, Bobbi Brown shared tales from her journey starting a makeup empire.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 31, 2026
Longtime friendships make Bird Key lecture series possible

The Seafarers Speaker Series brought special guests to tide over Bird Key Yacht Club until the new clubhouse is finished.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Animal in car deemed not a criminal offense on breezy, 68-degree day
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 31, 2026
Animal in car deemed not a criminal offense on breezy, 68-degree day

Police determined there was no animal abuse occurring as the car windows were cracked and the owner sat nearby. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
From left, Drew Ferguson, Jason Creasy, Noah Green, Benjamin Newman, Olivia Ledwith and Eric Coley are the newest sworn officers of the Sarasota Police Department.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 31, 2026
Sarasota Police Department swears in six new officers

The newest class of Sarasota police officers includes a former pro baseball pitcher, college football player and the daughter of two retired SPD captains.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Sponsored Content
1
  • April 2, 2026
Images of Dance
2
Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?
Sponsored Content
3
  • April 2, 2026
For Sale: 8134 Pavia Way, Bradenton
Sponsored Content
4
  • April 2, 2026
P7 - Foundations of Royalty
5
Karie Friling meets with Sarasota community members during the open house portion of the immersive two-day interview process with four other finalists for the city manager position.
  • April 2, 2026
New city manager finds dream job at Sarasota City Hall

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