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Erik Arroyo

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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
EducationUniversity of Florida (BA) Florida A&M University College of Law (JD)

Early life and education

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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

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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

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  1. ^ a b Snabes, Anne. "Erik Arroyo becomes the youngest ever mayor of Sarasota". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
  2. ^ "Council on Foreign Relations". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  3. ^ "'It's an honor': Sarasota makes history with youngest, first Hispanic mayor". wtsp.com. November 16, 2021. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  4. ^ "Mayor says proposed city budget has opportunities for savings | Sarasota". Your Observer. 2022-08-01. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  5. ^ "Sarasota Herald-Tribune". www.heraldtribune.com. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  6. ^ "Sarasota city commission discusses annexation of Siesta Key". WFLA. 2022-01-18. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  7. ^ "Sarasota mayor pitches alley beautification program | Sarasota". Your Observer. 2022-07-08. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  8. ^ "Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Seven to the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors". Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  9. ^ Snabes, Anne. "City commissioner wants Sarasota to sever its ties with Vladimir, Russia". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  10. ^ "Guess What? We Now Have a Royce Gracie Day in Sarasota". Sarasota Magazine. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  11. ^ Monta, Matt (2022-07-06). "Manasota Chess Center Builds Bonds with Israeli Sister City Club Match". US Chess.org. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  12. ^ Fanning, Timothy. "Faced with new commission, longtime Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin offers to retire". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  13. ^ Fanning, Timothy. "With battle lines quickly drawn, Hagen Brody is selected as Sarasota's new mayor". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  14. ^ Fanning, Timothy. "Sarasota Commissioner Erik Arroyo moves to reinstate moratorium on water shutoffs". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ Ogles, Jacob (2019-02-04). "Erik Arroyo becomes second GOP candidate targeting Margaret Good's seat". Florida Politics. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  17. ^ Ogles, Jacob (2019-05-13). "Erik Arroyo dropping out of House District 72 race". Florida Politics. Retrieved 2022-10-14.