Many voiced surprise when Erik Arroyo, despite a second-place finish before a runoff, won his District 3 seat on the Sarasota City Commission four years ago. Now he hopes voters feel satisfied with the job he has done.

But Kathy Kelley Olrich, a past chair of the City Coalition of Neighborhood Associations and the city Planning Board, certainly is not. She is challenging the incumbent for his District 3 seat, saying Arroyo has kept up a long tradition of ignoring the district’s concerns.

Both appear on the Nov. 5 ballot for voters living in the southeast Sarasota district.

Arroyo points to a lengthy list of accomplishments on his campaign website for why he deserves a second term. That includes conserving the most green space of any Sarasota City Commission, most notably using conservation easements to preserve Bobby Jones Golf Club as a nature park.

“Bobby Jones was closed and dilapidated for years. It’s open again now and we funded this entire project so it’s now in a preserve forever,” Arroyo said. “If that’s not an investment in District 3 in and of itself, I don’t know what is.”

But Ohlrich doesn’t see Arroyo making decisions on grounds they will benefit the city as a whole. Rather, she sees him doing the work of donors and friends, many of those from the development world. As for service to District 3, she said the neglect can be seen throughout.

“It’s a really simple thing to observe,” she said. “There is not one piece of public art in District 2. And as I have walked around the district, it’s clear to me code enforcement is not happening as much in District 3 as in District 2. So I’ve said to people I’m going to get some equity in District 3, whether that’s public art, code enforcement, city grants, whatever it takes so we are not ignored anymore.”

Ohlrich previously won election to the Village Council for Moreland Hills, Ohio before moving to Sarasota. That and her service with neighborhood associations gives her the background to make a positive impact on the city, she said. She has been concerned at the number of proposals to commercialize bigger parts of Payne Park. She would rather the city look at ways of improving portions of the city without giving up public assets, and points to tools like a Fruitville Road overlay district that could be better employed to make an attractive entry to the city from the east.

“I’m the kind of person, when I have responsibilities for making decisions for other people, I really prepare,” she said. “I listen to all sides of an issue, including others who will be voting on an issue, and I always try and vote and do the right thing.”

Arroyo notes the city has rejected controversial proposals again and again to give up parts of parts for commercial units, but also notes cafes and other uses have long been part of the city fabric. He also points to lasting public improvement projects in the city including at The Bay. He also notes that during his time in office, Sarasota City Commissioners have not voted to raise taxes even while reducing homeless rates and increasing the availability of affordable housing, including an incentive program that sparked commitments to bring 600 new units online in the city.

“Opponents love saying they, in theory, are for affordability,” Arroyo said. “My oppononent on the Planning Board didn’t vote a single time for affordable housing. They support it in philosophy but their actions do not align.” 

Photos: Erik Arroyo, Kathy Kelley Olrich.

Meet Isabel Lacy, the founder and visionary behind Isabel. As shopping shifts from brick-and-mortar stores to online platforms, Lacy has reimagined the in-person shopping experience, creating a space that rekindles the joy of browsing. With a luxurious, calming atmosphere and a deep passion for fashion and customer connection, Isabel offers a refreshing take on retail. Originally from Indianapolis, Lacy moved to Los Angeles to pursue fashion marketing at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After graduating, she sought a vibrant community to establish her life and business. Her fond childhood visits to Sarasota inspired her decision to launch Isabel here. Now, a trip to Main Street invites you to unwind while discovering the perfect, timeless addition to your wardrobe at Isabel.

What inspired you to create Isabel, and how does your vision for the boutique reflect your personal philosophy on fashion?

I've always loved fashion and interior design. I wanted to establish a space where people could come have a luxurious shopping experience while also exploring something that was personally curated. I believe in creating what I call a “forever wardrobe.” Growing up, I always struggled with basics and finding timeless pieces that you could buy, and were great quality. So, that was where I startedhelping people build “forever wardrobes.” Don’t get me wrong, I adore playful patterns and vibrant pieces because those are fun and you need good fun pieces too. I want to provide a little bit of everything that you can keep forever, in a place that feels beautiful.

Share one of your business bucket list items.

My biggest goal for Isabel is to scale my business into the e-commerce space and on social media. My plan has been to post on social media every day, really finding videos that speak to other people, and making sure I continue helping people find clothes they love. If they're looking for earrings, for example, I try to style different things together to catch people’s attention via social media.

What do you hope customers feel or take away after visiting your boutique?

I want to create a relationship with every client that comes into Isabel. When customers come in, I want to talk to them and understand what they are looking for to enhance their experience. In the boutique we have a little lounging space, where we offer champagne or wine so people can sit down, relax and shop. It's not just about coming in and shopping, it is about creating that good experience for our customers and building a community within Isabel.

What podcast are you listening to that is inspiring you in your business life?

I love The Skinny Confidential. They dive into everything about life, but it always ties back to entrepreneurs. On their episodes, they bring on guest entrepreneurs from different industries which I like because it helps you learn from a huge range of people. They brought on Dan Martell on an episode where he shared his story and highlighted time management and the idea of “buying back your time.” Their topics range from health to finance to even fashion but you learn something from every person about how it could communicate and relate to your business.

What books are you reading now that expand your business perception?

I am definitely more of a podcast girl, but I love books. Recently I sat down to read Day Trading Attention by Gary Vaynerchuk. He talks a lot about social media and organic marketing, which ties into how you market today. I loved that book because it helps you learn how to grab the attention of a big crowd of people and build a brand that stands out. It's essentially a blueprint for e-commerce. So I love that book and I think that it is great for everyone–you learn so much about social media and just things that you wouldn't have thought about. 

1985 Main Street, Sarasota.
 

Pictured: Isabel Lacy, hosting the store's private opening. Photo Courtesy of Nancy Guth

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From November 1 through November 30, the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller will provide free passport photos, notary services, and document copies to veterans and active-duty military personnel in honor of Veterans Day. Eligible individuals may receive complimentary copies, including certified copies, of records such as marriage licenses, deeds, and court documents. “We’re grateful to those who have served our country and protected our freedoms,” said Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. “This is our way of saying thank you.” A valid military ID or DD214 is required to receive these free services. For more information, contact the Clerk & Comptroller’s office at (941) 749-1800. 

HCA Healthcare West Florida Division President Jyric Sims announced that Joe Rudisill is the new chief executive officer (CEO) of HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. Rudisill brings more than 17 years of healthcare leadership experience to his new role, having served as the CEO of HCA Florida Englewood Hospital since September 2023. While there, his many successes included the groundbreaking and near completion of the hospital’s $31 million emergency services expansion in North Port. Under his leadership, Englewood Hospital earned the One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention in 2024 and Top 5% in the Nation for Patient Safety honors. Joe returned to Florida from Mission Hospital, an 853-bed hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where he served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for close to four years. Prior to that, he was the COO and Ethics & Compliance Officer at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital and later stepped into the Interim CEO role. He began his healthcare career at Tenet Healthcare in North Carolina and also served at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital before joining HCA Healthcare’s Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. Rudisill holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Joe and his wife, Liz, have four children and enjoy spending time outdoors, playing sports and cheering on the Tar Heels. Rudisill replaces Robert Meade who is retiring after 41 years with HCA Healthcare and includes serving as the Sarasota Doctors Hospital CEO since 2005. During this time, Meade focused on a culture of excellence in which the hospital achieved numerous accolades including earning a CMS 5-star designation, the Fortune/IBM Watson Healthcare 100 Top Hospitals in the US, 19 Leapfrog “A” Safety ratings, Becker’s Healthcare 100 Places to Work in Healthcare and the recent addition of a graduate medical education program in Internal Medicine, to name a few. Services expansions over the past two decades have included the development of a comprehensive robotics and surgery program, operating room and emergency room expansions, the addition of a cardiac catheterization and mental health program, the opening the HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors North Emergency in Lakewood Ranch and construction of a second emergency in Venice to open in spring 2025. 

Williams Parker, Sarasota’s largest law firm, is pleased to announce that Michael J. Wilson, the Firm’s President, has been appointed as chair-elect designee of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar effective September 15, 2024.Mr. Wilson will assume the role of chair-elect of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar effective July 1, 2025, and then Chair on July 1, 2026. He has been a long-time director and member of the Executive Council of the Tax Section, serving as a director of the Federal Tax Division, Educational Division, Section Administration Division, and the Long-Range Planning Committee. Established in 1952, the purpose of the Tax Section is to further the tax knowledge and practice of its more than 2,000 members in federal and state tax law and accomplish legislative and regulatory objectives to improve the operation and administration of federal and state tax law. As a business and tax lawyer for almost 25 years, Mr. Wilson advises clients on business and tax planning and structuring matters. He assists clients negotiate a wide range of business and corporate transactions, including business sales and acquisitions, mergers, restructurings, joint ventures, private equity and venture capital investments, business loans and other credit facilities, tax-exempt bond financing, business succession, corporate governance, and other significant business and commercial matters. He also serves as outside general counsel to businesses of varying sizes in many different industries. He is certified as a tax specialist by the Florida Bar and handles federal, state, and international tax planning and controversy matters. 

Affordable housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing our region, impacting everyone from business owners to young professionals. Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to understand the full scope of the issue and discover practical solutions from communities across the country. Join us on Friday, November 22nd for Affordable Housing Summit 2.0, where we’ll share the latest insights, including findings from two recent surveys conducted by the Sarasota Chamber. This summit is a must-attend event for policymakers, local government officials, business leaders, and employers committed to addressing the housing crisis in our area.Be part of the conversation and help shape solutions that will benefit our community.

Friday, November 22, 8:00 - 10:00am, Sarasota Memorial Hospital Auditorium, 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 

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Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce that the following sales advisors have affiliated with the company’s Naples area sales gallery locations: Amber Davis – Downtown Sarasota, Cindy Fischer – Longboat Kay, Bus Fischer – Longboat Key, Darlene Gamble – Downtown Sarasota, Jessica Hurley – Downtown Sarasota, Karen Jernigan – Downtown Sarasota, Mia McKeehan – Downtown Sarasota, Mary Kate Shore – Downtown Sarasota. “We are very happy to welcome these new sales advisors to Premier Sotheby’s International Realty,” said Budge Huskey, president and chief executive officer. “Their real estate industry experience, deep knowledge of the Naples region and commitment to excellent service lead to making customers for life. We are so pleased to work with these talented sales professionals.” 

Sarasota Memorial Hospital announced its 2025 chiefs of staff for the SMH-Sarasota and SMH-Venice campuses today and honored two physicians for their outstanding service to SMH and the Suncoast community. Reuben Holland, MD, medical director of Sarasota Memorial emergency and urgent care services, received Sarasota Memorial’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, while SMH trauma surgeon Christian Schuetz, MD, was named 2024 Physician of the Year. After input from the medical staff, a committee of physician leaders recognized Dr. Holland and Dr. Schuetz at the annual medical staff meeting in October. 

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Manatee Memorial Hospital (MMH) was the first hospital in Manatee County to start a robotics program in 2008. Now, 16 years later, MMH has attained a remarkable milestone in the use of robotic technology that has transformed surgical care: 10,000 Robotic Surgeries completed. Designated as a Center of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), MMH’s robotic surgery program has achieved such success that it now serves as an Intuitive training center for surgeons from across the country and is home to five Master Surgeons. MMH utilizes the advanced da Vinci® Xi Robotic System from Intuitive, that uses high definition, special instruments, and software that provides surgeons with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity, and flexibility. For patients, this means minimally invasive procedures that result in faster recovery times, reduced risk of infection, and less post-operative pain that can have patients return home the following day or even the same day. With such impressive outcomes, robotic-assisted surgeries are quickly becoming the standard of care. In October, MMH also recognized Dr. Stacey South, a Master Surgeon, for her significant achievement in becoming the first surgeon to complete 3,000 procedures at MMH using the da Vinci® surgical robotic system. 

Kelly Lindsay has been promoted to HCA Florida Englewood Hospital chief executive officer (CEO), effective today. She is has served as the chief operating officer at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital for the past four years. Since joining HCA Florida Brandon Hospital four years ago as Chief Operating Officer (COO), Kelly has led the hospital’s Emergency Services transformation. Today, it is one of the busiest services in the state with adult and pediatric centers on its main campus, five freestanding emergency rooms and an intra-facility transport program, all while achieving top rankings in key performance measures. She has also focused on the hospital's cardiovascular services with Brandon Hospital achieving the prestigious 3-Star ranking from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Before arriving in Brandon, Kelly was the COO at HCA Healthcare’s Coliseum Medical Center in Macon, Georgia. She also worked for HCA Healthcare’s Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida, where she was instrumental in growing the cardiovascular service line to become an industry leader in the region.Kelly earned her Bachelor in Cardiopulmonary Science from the University of Central Florida and her Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness from Troy University. She is currently working on her doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Kelly is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.Lindsay is replacing Joe Rudisill who is now the CEO at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. 

Breeze Airways, the premium leisure low-cost carrier offering affordable nonstop service across the U.S., today recommenced nonstop service from Sarasota-Bradenton to New York-Westchester, NY, with fares starting from $69* one way. Breeze also will begin new nonstop service to Akron-Canton, OH; Portland, ME; Long Island-Islip, NY; Raleigh-Durham, NC; and Richmond, VA in November, along with one-stop, no plane change BreezeThru service to Syracuse, NY. In February, Breeze will add another new nonstop to New Haven, CT. 

On Tuesday, November 19, a Public Hearing will be held to consider increasing the standard Breeze OnDemand fare from $2 to $4. This discussion comes from the rise in ridership and the growing budget for the service. Sarasota County has already increased vehicle hours to keep up with demand. At the Public Hearing, the Sarasota County Commission, sitting as the Sarasota County Transportation Authority, will consider whether a fare increase will help align services with the county’s financial resources. Before the Public Hearing, the Transit Department will host three Open Houses to discuss ridership trends, funding, and other factors including implications of ridership trends and funding sources. For more information, please visit breezetransit.net/2024fareproposal. Public comments can be submitted at the Open Houses, through the website breezetransit.net/2024fareproposal, via email at breeze@scgov.net, or in person at the hearing. For more details on Sarasota County’s transit services, call 311, 941-861-5000 or visit scgov.net/breeze. 

1000 NORTH, Palm Beach County’s premier restaurant and private club, is excited to announce the opening of its new location in downtown Sarasota, Florida. Anticipated to open in late 2025, 1000 NORTH Sarasota will deliver an exclusive, members-only experience, featuring world-class dining.
1000 NORTH Jupiter is expanding its footprint by partnering with Sarasota developer Kevin Daves to bring its unique concept to Sarasota. Daves, renowned for his work on The Concession Golf Club and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Residences in Sarasota, will spearhead the development of this exciting, new project. Ira Fenton, managing partner of 1000 NORTH, also has an impressive background, having been part of the team that developed Jack Nicklaus’ The Bear’s Club and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa in Jupiter. The two share a long history, having first met while collaborating on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course with Tony Jacklin at The Concession Golf Club in 2006.Joining Fenton as founding partners of 1000 NORTH were notable names, including former New York Giant Tucker Frederickson, golf legend Ernie Els, basketball icon Michael Jordan, wine industry leader Bill Terlato, and publisher of The Wine Spectator, Marvin Shanken, to name a few. 1000 NORTH Sarasota will offer an unparalleled culinary experience, featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood, and seasonal local ingredients. Members will enjoy creative appetizers, salads, and desserts, all paired with handcrafted cocktails, a selection of beers, and an extensive wine collection in a state of-the-art wine room stocked with rare and premier vintages. With its elegant dining and an array of five-star amenities, 1000 NORTH Sarasota will offer members the ultimate lifestyle in an exclusive environment designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life. For more information on membership and updates on the construction process, visit 1000NorthSarasota.com. 

Chef Edward Lee comes to Sarasota in November to speak on his new book, Bourbon Land and how cuisine is a connector of cultures, November 2024. 

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