SIESTA KEY
May the 25th be with you.
Observer
PAGE 8B
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021
VOLUME 52, NO. 24
Siesta decision day: Jan. 4 Local legislators prepare for up-or-down vote to bring incorporation proposal to Tallahassee. SEE PAGE 3A
YOUR TOWN
Courtesy photo
Key to the city for fighter A different sort of figure graced the Sarasota area last weekend for a special celebration. Royce Gracie, a renowned fighter who is in the UFC Hall of Fame, visited Dec. 10 for two special announcements. First, Mayor Erik Arroyo presented Gracie with a key to the city. He then announced Dec. 12 to be Royce Gracie Day in the city of Sarasota. Gracie, who was born in Brazil and introduced to jiujitsu early through his father, Grand Master Helio Gracie, has had a long career with UFC and now teaches his style to students across the globe. Dec. 12 also happens to be Gracie’s birthday.
The greatest gifts of all The best Christmas gifts don’t fit under the tree or get stuffed into a stocking. SEE PAGE 6A
Courtesy photo
Clara Reynardus de Villanueva credits her husband, Roberto, and dogs, Bonham and Bowie, with helping her through a difficult time.
Eric Garwood
No bones about it
Sitting quietly in the corner of an Intercoastal Medical office in Hyde Park is a guy who’s seen better days but still manages to deliver a sound message this holiday season. Complete with a Santa hat, a mask, a festive set of glasses and a T-shirt featuring a masked Jolly Old Elf wishing everyone would “Spread Joy, Not Germs,” the character drew a fair bit of attention during a recent lunch-hour rush. “Bye, there, young fella,” one man said as he left the office.
Proposal makes a splash Mark Bergin
The splash pad is the centerpiece of a popular bayfront playground.
Aging bayfront recreation attraction will get an upgrade in 2022. SEE PAGE 5A
A+E Flipping over circus show. Page 15A