Karfy,
I am sure wherever you go on the Gulf you will have a relaxing time. Most of the villas are 10 to 15 minutes drive from tne beach but much more reasonably priced than the beachfront properties, especially at xmas/new year. We were over for last xmas/new year and will be there again this year; I know Fort Myers had a spectacular fireworks display for New Years Eve.
I have a word document on the Port Charlotte area that i can email you if you DM your email address to me.
andrew