If you’ve ever taken a sunset stroll along MiraBay’s waterfront and thought, “This feels like a little slice of Margaritaville,” you’re not alone. For Bradley and Danyelle Kula, that feeling isn’t just a vibe… it’s a way of life.

Five and a half years ago, the Kulas made MiraBay their home, turning a long-held dream into reality. Drawn in by the beauty of the waterfront and the unmistakable charm of the community, they quickly realized they’d found something even more meaningful: a true neighborhood. The kind where friendly waves turn into conversations, and neighbors become extended family.

As their own family has grown, so has their appreciation for MiraBay not just as a place to live, but as a place to belong. With Brad’s parents, Frank and June, just minutes away, along with his uncle John and aunt Bev and aunt Patt nearby, the family has always been at the heart of their story.

And speaking of family…every good story needs a tradition.

For the past 10 years, the Kulas and their extended crew have made an annual pilgrimage to the Florida Keys… a place where the water is bluer, the pace is even slower, and the worries seem to drift away with the tide.

Their last trip was to Marathon Key, and the family and friend lineup read like a full cast of characters in a Jimmy Buffett ballad: Brad and Danyelle, Brad’s parents Frank and June, Uncle John and Aunt Bev, Brad’s brother Brandon and his wife Sam with their kids Frankie and Dom, Brad’s beloved cousin Travis plus longtime cherished friend Bryan. And let’s not forget yours truly, their neighbor John, alongside his wife Nicole. Let’s just say it was a full crew with enough stories, laughs, and personalities to fill a Jimmy Buffett song or two.

For the Kulas, family isn’t just important…it’s everything. And this trip is less about the destination and more about the time spent together. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Marathon Key is about as close to paradise as you can get.

Beyond family, one thing that brings everyone together on these trips is a shared love of fishing.

Trailering their 30-foot center console Hydra-Sport - aptly named The Water Dog- all the way from MiraBay, Brad and Danyelle come prepared. The Keys, after all, are one of the premier fishing destinations in the world, and they’re not ones to show up empty-handed.

Blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and even the elusive billfish were all on the agenda. Early mornings on open water, rods bent, reels singing - now that is their true version of paradise.

As for the secret fishing spots? Let’s just say those coordinates have mysteriously “gone missing.” And any seasoned captain would tell you…that’s exactly how it should be.

Home-Cooked Feasts & Game Night Glory

Back at the house, the good times kept rolling. Forget restaurants. This crew brought the flavor with them.

We’re talking Black Angus char-grilled burgers, homemade spaghetti and meatballs, ribeye steaks…meals that felt like celebrations in their own right. Add in a little music, a lot of storytelling, and the occasional competitive round of Uno No Mercy, and you’ve got the recipe for nights that stretch on in the best way possible.

But if you ask Brad and Danyelle about their favorite moment, it’s not the biggest catch or the best meal.

It’s the quiet one.

All of them together, out on the boat, watching the sun dip below the horizon painting the sky in golds and pinks, the water gently rocking beneath them. No schedules, no distractions. Just family, friendship, and the kind of peace you can’t quite put into words.

It’s a reminder, they say, of how blessed they are to share these moments together.

Trips like this may take place in the Keys, but their roots start right here in MiraBay.

Because at the end of the day, what makes a place special isn’t just the water or the views. It’s the people you share it with. And whether it’s a sunset on the bay or a backyard conversation with neighbors, that same spirit lives right here at home.

So next time you’re out enjoying our little corner of paradise, raise a glass (or a cold drink of your choice) to good friends, great family, and the kind of memories that stick with you long after the tide rolls out.

After all…somewhere, it’s always five o’clock.