Port Charlotte, Fla.

An unincorporated area covering about 24 square miles on the north side of the Charlotte Harbor Estuary, Port Charlotte was inhabited by the native Calusa tribe when Columbus discovered the new world. The area remained a cattle and farming area until after World War II, and it was not developed until the Mackle Brothers, owners of General Development Corporation, came along in the 1950s. Their company no longer exists.

Charlotte County was devastated by Hurricane Charley in 2004, with about half of all homes destroyed, and restoration of the area took years. The Port Charlotte area is crossed by U.S. Highway 41 and I-75, both of which run roughly north-south. Greyhound Bus Lines stops at Port Charlotte, but there is no railroad service.

On the south side of Charlotte Harbor is the town of Punta Gorda, next to Charlotte County Airport. Allegiant Air provides a few flights here. Farther south is the Southwest Florida International Airport near Fort Myers, and farther north is the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport. Both of them offer a lot more airline service.

Many winter visitors fly or drive into the area and stay the entire season, with mild cool mornings and some warm afternoons but little rain. The long hot summer brings frequent afternoon rainstorms.

The Riverwood Golf Club is tops among more than 20 golf courses in the Port Charlotte area. For family fun, come to the 36-hole miniature golf course at Fish Cove, by the Peace River bridge on U.S. Highway 41.

The Ann Dever Memorial Regional Park covers about 425 acres and is dissected by Oyster Creek. There are picnic areas and concession stands at the park, which is covered by old-growth scrub pine forest providing a home for lots of wildlife.

Bayshore Live Oak Park offers a beach with dog park and canoe/kayak rental. Picnic shelters and pavilion rentals are available. Visitors can enjoy walking and nature trails. Fishing spots include several fishing piers and small community parks, such as Chester Roberts Park, Charlotte Sports Park, Harold Avenue Park and Lake Betty Park.

The Banana Bay Waterfront Motel is a favorite, and popular restaurants around Port Charlotte are Shark's Fish House, JD's Bistro & Grille, plus Peter's Family Restaurant.