You can paddle on the Peace River from Bartow to Port Charlotte. The Bartow to Homeland stretch has to have high water levels and starts on State road 60 just east of Bartow at the boat launch. Launch in Homeland and float south 3227-3783 Homeland-Garfield Rd, Bartow, FL 33830. first stop to exit is the Fort Meade recreation area 1638 Co Rd 700, Fort Meade, FL 33841. or keep going, you can make this trip last five days, camping along the way. The Peace River empties into the Gulf of Mexico.