As MiraBay celebrates summer, the Fourth of July, and America’s 250th anniversary, this month we focus on a family that truly embodies the spirit of the community - the Walters family. For the past nine years, Dean and Karri Walters and their three sons have embraced everything that makes our community special, including friendship, family traditions, waterfront living, and neighbors who feel more like extended family.

Originally from Pinellas County, Dean and Karri moved to the Southshore area from Safety Harbor to be closer to Dean’s work. What they found in MiraBay was much more than convenience.

“Our favorite part of living in MiraBay is the strong sense of community,” says Karri. “There’s something for all ages, people are welcoming, and we love that it’s a multi-generational neighborhood.”

That multi-generational connection runs deep for the Walters family, whose parents now also live within the community in Sea Crest and Winterside.

The Walters household is always buzzing with activity, ambition, and plenty of sports.

Oldest son Zachary, 35, recently purchased his first home in Tarpon Springs while continuing his career as a sales manager at Sun Toyota. When he’s not working, Zach enjoys boating, wakeboarding, traveling, and tackling home improvement projects.

Cade, 20, just completed his sophomore year at Davis & Elkins College, where he pitches for the school’s Division II baseball team. A member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Cade is studying accounting and finance while balancing athletics, academics, golf outings, and a part-time job at the MiraBay Café during school breaks.

Then there’s Pearson, who recently graduated from St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Bradenton with an extraordinary list of accomplishments. A National Merit Finalist, Pearson earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Florida, where he’ll enter the Honors College and Scholars Research Program to study chemical engineering this fall. Around MiraBay, residents may also recognize him from his role as one of the community lifeguards.

“Pearson loves all things academic,” Karri says proudly.

Dean and Karri’s partnership started long before MiraBay… and fittingly, it began near the water.

The couple met 36 years ago at Clearwater Beach’s Flagship Restaurant, where Dean worked as a server and Karri was a hostess. Today, they continue balancing busy careers while staying deeply involved in their community.

Karri has spent 30 years in education, teaching special education and middle school math before becoming a high school counselor for Florida Virtual School. Her educational journey includes degrees from the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida, and Arkansas State University.

Dean, who attended St. Petersburg College, has spent 35 years in acute care sales and currently serves as National Sales Director for D-R Burton Healthcare.

Outside of work, the two make quite the team when it comes to home projects.

“Dean has a talent for doing house projects,” Karri jokes. “I have a talent for making the list of projects needed.”

No Walters family introduction would be complete without mentioning Knox and Mack - the family’s two beloved golden retrievers.

Knox, age 11½, has perfected the art of lounging and snuggling, while 9-month-old Mack keeps the household lively by chewing “anything in sight.” Together, they provide endless entertainment and unconditional love.

Family traditions are also a huge part of life in the Walters home, especially during the holidays.

“Thanksgiving, Halloween, and the Fourth of July are some of our favorites,” says Karri.

The Walters family hosts Thanksgiving dinner every year and has become known for its annual Fourth of July party, where friends and family gather to celebrate summer, freedom, and community. 

Halloween is another neighborhood favorite, often spent in the driveway with friends and neighbors while serving food, drinks, and candy to trick-or-treaters and their parents.

It’s easy to see why their home has become such a welcoming gathering place.

When they’re not hosting parties or attending community events, the Walters family enjoys many of MiraBay’s favorite local spots. 

You’ll often find them at Circles, enjoying Taco Tuesday at El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill, or grabbing rolls at Texas Roadhouse, which is a family favorite.

Karri is also a regular at Burn Boot Camp, while the rest of the family takes full advantage of MiraBay’s waterfront lifestyle through boating, pool days, and neighborhood events.

The Walters are active members of the community beyond social gatherings as well. Dean serves on the CDD Board, and Karri participates in the MARC committee. Together, they also completed 24 hours of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training alongside neighbors and MiraBay staff.

Whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, hosting friends, or simply showing up for community events, the Walters family exemplifies what makes MiraBay feel like home.

And as residents gather this July to celebrate America’s milestone 250th anniversary, families like the Walters remind us that some of the country’s greatest traditions begin right in our own neighborhoods… with community, connection, and a driveway full of friends.