Charlotte County, Florida is located around the banks of Charlotte Harbor and features an abundance of beautiful vistas, sporting activities for all ages, and a relaxed lifestyle. Nestled along Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast, between Sarasota and Naples, Charlotte County is approximately 100 miles south of Tampa. The region covers a diverse landscape of cities and towns, including the barrier island community of Boca Grande; Palm Island, with its serene beaches accessible by ferry; secluded Don Pedro Island; and Little Gasparilla Island. Charlotte County boasts two public beaches, Port Charlotte and Englewood beaches. Six Environmental Parks offer opportunities for fishing, kayaking, bird and aquatic observation, and many other outdoor activities. The park system also contains many boats, canoe and kayak launches for water-sport activities. An abundance of small city communities like Punta Gorda, Englewood, Port Charlotte, El Jobean, Manasota Key, Cape Haze, and Placida are found in this county. Each city contains picturesque and waterfront landscapes, with quaint fishing and arts villages. Active lifestyles in Charlotte County are filled with more than 70 parks and nature preserves, miles of beaches, fishing, paddling and sailing. The area is also home to 16 golf courses and numerous annual sporting events.