Port Charlotte: Population 46,000 (2000). This is the most populated area in unincorporated Charlotte County.   Port Charlotte continues to recover after severe damage by Hurricane Charley in 2004.

Sarasota: Population:  52,000 (2005). The County seat of Sarasota County, Sarasota is known for its arts, theater, music, film, beautiful beaches, and dining opportunities. Popular sites are Sarasota Bay and its outlying barrier islands, including the world renowned sandy beaches of Lido and Siesta Keys.

Tampa: Population:  382,000 (2007).  Tampa is the County seat of Hillsborough County.  With the third largest population in Florida, the Greater Tampa Bay Area is home to over 4 million residents.  Ranked "5th Best Outdoor City" in the US by Forbes magazine, Tampa is perfect for those who enjoy a humid, subtropical climate.  But, be cautious during storms in this "Lightning Capital of North America."  Major economic contributors include the service, tourism, agriculture, retail, finance, insurance and real estate industries. As Florida's largest tonnage port, Tampa's port is 7th largest in the nation - handling half of all commerce that passes through state.  In fact, Tampa's port handles over 19 million tons of petroleum products annually!  The highest point in Tampa is 48 feet.

Regional Attractions:  University of South Florida.  Busch Gardens Africa.  Florida Aquarium.  Mote Marine Laboratory.  Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Three-week Sarasota Music Festival.

FWC 2007. "Where to Fish," by Rich Abrams, in Fishing Lines: An Angler's Guide to Florida's Marine Resources, 6^th Edition.  Dan Ellinor and Michelle Owen (editors).  Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Division of Marine Fisheries Management.