Erik Arroyo
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Erik Jhoan Arroyo is an American lawyer and Republican politician. He became the youngest and first Hispanic Mayor in the history of Sarasota, Florida.[1] He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.[2]
Erik J. Arroyo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mayor of Sarasota | |
| Personal details | |
| Education | University of Florida (BA) Florida A&M University College of Law (JD) |
Early life and education[edit]
Arroyo graduated from Riverview High School and attended the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in political science. He got his Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law.[3]
Career[edit]
Mayor of Sarasota
Arroyo became the youngest and first Hispanic Mayor in the history of Sarasota, Florida.[1] As Mayor, he suggested prioritizing cuts over drawing down reserves to balance the city's $252.18 million budget.[4] Arroyo led an initiative for annexation of the barrier island of Siesta Key into the city of Sarasota, which the city commission approved for further consideration.[5][6] Arroyo has been an advocate for a regional alley beautification program.[7] In 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Mayor Arroyo to the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors.[8]
Mayor Arroyo expressed support for Ukraine during the 2022 Russia Invasion of Ukraine.[9] In 2021, Mayor Arroyo gave the key to the city to sports celebrity Royce Gracie and declared December 12 as "Royce Gracie Day."[10] He was also a member of the Sarasota chess team in an international chess match against Tel Mond, Israel, which was published by the United States Chess Federation.[11]
City Commissioner & Vice Mayor
During his first day in elected office, Arroyo initiated a discussion on the future of the city manager's employment.[12] Arroyo was voted unanimously by the Sarasota city commission as the city's Vice Mayor.[13] During the COVID-19 pandemic, Arroyo proposed a city-wide moratorium on utility suspensions for unpaid accounts during the winter months, which was ultimately approved by the city commission.[14] He also advocated for a ban on animal kill shelters in Sarasota.[15]
Candidacy for Florida House of Representatives
Erik Arroyo ran for election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 72.[16] Arroyo withdrew from the Florida house race and ran for the Sarasota city commission.[17]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Snabes, Anne. "Erik Arroyo becomes the youngest ever mayor of Sarasota". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
- ^ "Council on Foreign Relations". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ "'It's an honor': Sarasota makes history with youngest, first Hispanic mayor". wtsp.com. November 16, 2021. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ "Mayor says proposed city budget has opportunities for savings | Sarasota". Your Observer. 2022-08-01. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ "Sarasota Herald-Tribune". www.heraldtribune.com. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ "Sarasota city commission discusses annexation of Siesta Key". WFLA. 2022-01-18. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ "Sarasota mayor pitches alley beautification program | Sarasota". Your Observer. 2022-07-08. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ "Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Seven to the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors". Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ Snabes, Anne. "City commissioner wants Sarasota to sever its ties with Vladimir, Russia". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ "Guess What? We Now Have a Royce Gracie Day in Sarasota". Sarasota Magazine. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ Monta, Matt (2022-07-06). "Manasota Chess Center Builds Bonds with Israeli Sister City Club Match". US Chess.org. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ Fanning, Timothy. "Faced with new commission, longtime Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin offers to retire". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ Fanning, Timothy. "With battle lines quickly drawn, Hagen Brody is selected as Sarasota's new mayor". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ Fanning, Timothy. "Sarasota Commissioner Erik Arroyo moves to reinstate moratorium on water shutoffs". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
- ^ Board, Sarasota Herald-Tribune Editorial. "How can Sarasota prove we love animals? Ban killing shelters in this city". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
- ^ Ogles, Jacob (2019-02-04). "Erik Arroyo becomes second GOP candidate targeting Margaret Good's seat". Florida Politics. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ Ogles, Jacob (2019-05-13). "Erik Arroyo dropping out of House District 72 race". Florida Politics. Retrieved 2022-10-14.