I live in Central Florida and love the Chain of Lakes In Winter Haven. Lot's a places to eat and you can catch a water ski show or fireworks @ Cypress Gardens. There are about 10 lakes connected by canals.
I just spent the weekend on the ICW from St. Petersburg to Sarasota. Lots of great beaches to stop and cool off, dining and wild (waterlife). On the way to Sarasota on Long Boat Key, there is a great sand bar and a "lazy river" The current takes you out to a beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Great tubing. I have lo's of other favorites if any one wants to know. Jake