Q+A with Fred Kagi

He has only lived on Longboat for three years, but Hawaiian-shirt-wearing, bike-riding Fred Kagi is ready to embrace his new role as Longbeach Village Association’s president. Kagi and his wife, Carol, moved from Orlando in 2012, after retiring as middle school teachers and love every moment on the Key and in the Village. He became president late last year.
 

How did Michael Drake draft you for the job of Longbeach Village Association president?
It was something that not that many people wanted to do. There are a lot of capable people, but many don’t have the comfort level of getting in front of a lot of people and talking. It’s no big deal to me. Michael had been doing it forever, and I told him I would do it if no one else is. Bottom line is, next day I was president.

What are the three biggest issues facing the Village?
One that looks like it’s on the horizon is underground utilities. I’d also say parking and the Mar Vista issues people have during the season. What’s becoming an issue more so is the noise level on Jewfish Key, especially with rap music that’s become obscene. And, of course, the peacocks.

Speaking of peacocks, do you love them or hate them?
Peacocks are always an issue here. Half the Village seems to love them, and half seem to hate them. This time of year, they’re screaming. It’s mating season for them, and some even see their reflection in cars and start to attack them. There are also many tourists who come and look at them. They block roads and walk into people’s yards and feed them, which you shouldn’t do. I wouldn’t consider this issue a higher level than an annoyance, though.

Has there been any improvement to the parking situation in the Village this season?
Yes. The commissioners and town people have been very helpful and were very responsive. They all seemed to be sincerely interested in listening to what we had to say.

Do you support Moore’s plan for rezoning and redevelopment?
I do, personally. It’s a wait-and-see thing. They’ve been here forever, and they’re a nice fixture in the community. Both restaurants are here to stay, so we need to coexist.

What do you think is unique about Village life compared to other Longboat Key communities?
I think it’s an established, historic area, and it attracts an eclectic group of people. There’s a wide variety of houses. It’s a different feel on the north end versus the south end. I think it attracts different types of people. People here are also very protective of this. It’s Florida, so we’re always being assaulted by developers. People here can see what it could become just like that.

Who do you think has it worse when it comes to traffic — the north end or the south end?
During season for that short period of time, the north end has it worse, but the rest of the year, it’s the south end. There’s more congestion over there.

If you couldn’t live in the Village, what would be your next choice of a neighborhood on the Key?
I would stay on the bayside and the north end. I much prefer the ambiance of the north end. I wouldn’t fit in on the south end. I like going down there, especially during season, but I just fit in better on the north end.

What do you think the Village will look like in 50 years?
I would like to see it be exactly like this. I’m from Orlando, and when I was growing up, there was nothing. You could get up to Georgia and say you’re from Orlando, and no one would have heard of it. It went from nothing to a huge wreck, and I hope that’s not the case here.