Conversation with Jack Duncan

Longboat Key Mayor Jack Duncan, 66, thought he was moving to Longboat Key in 2002 to retire. Unbeknownst to the retired marketing executive, he would soon become the president of Marina Bay condominium and later, a Longboat Key commissioner. His fellow commissioners chose him as mayor earlier this year — the same year the town celebrates its 60th anniversary.

How did you make your way from Longboat Key?

I was playing golf in Philadelphia with a bunch of friends who were all considering a place to retire. It was suggested I check out Sarasota. Truthfully, I wasn’t overly impressed with Sarasota. But when my wife, Debbie, and I checked out of our hotel on our way to St. Augustine, we drove by the Longboat Key sign pointing toward the Ringling Bridge, and I said, “Let’s go check out what this Longboat Key thing is.” We drove across the bridge, looked at each other and at the same time said, “This is it.” We checked back into our hotel, called a Realtor and bought a house on the north end of the Key.

If you could drive Gulf of Mexico Drive 60 years in the future, what would you like to see?

An upscale community that’s been modernized and redeveloped because our codes and comprehensive plan allow for sensible redevelopment. I want to see a town center where all residents can meet. I want to see a north end that could potentially have a park where Whitney Beach Plaza sits now and an attractive entrance to the Village that includes a bridge over Broadway and people utilizing the canal structure there with small watercraft. And we will have a new Key Club hotel. 

And who knows? In 60 years, maybe we’ll even have a new Colony hotel. I’m also very excited about future roundabouts at the north and south ends of the Key. The roundabouts and the new crosswalks will help slow down traffic and turn Gulf of Mexico Drive more into a community road as opposed to a community freeway.

What’s your favorite event on the Key?

The Freedom Fest Fourth of July parade. Bringing people together afterward in Bicentennial Park for games and hot dogs is one of the coolest things we do in this community. Everybody is there talking and having a good time. That’s what community is all about.

Can the town fix the traffic issue?

Traffic will continue to be a nightmare for the short term. You are kidding yourself if you think there will be a solution to this in the short term. All the adjustments we make might enhance traffic flow by 10%, but the population will increase in the next three years, and it won’t make a difference. Unless we go through huge infrastructure changes and the Florida Department of Transportation takes ownership of the problem, things are going to get worse here and in other coastal areas.

Is there anything that has surprised you while being mayor?

Most people, the vast majority, are very positive about the community and are trying to help it. We’re all part of the same team trying to get to the same place. I don’t think even the most negative people are really disparaging the town. They are just annoyed with the speed at which things are getting done. There’s a lot of selfless people in this community doing the best they can to help the town.

What’s your proudest achievement as a commissioner?

I brought a level of strategic thinking to the island. I believe you have to research and understand issues before making an informed decision.

What do you envision for post-commission life?

Family, family and family. I’ve spent six years doing this and four years as a condo president. It’s time to get retired, enjoy the family and spoil the grandkids.