Definitely hit the ice house pub in Punta Gorda. Nice selection of taps and pub food. Shortys place is a dive bar right down the street that has had bourbon county on for a while. There are a couple breweries in the area (fat point and peace river) but if you have time I'd make the drive up to Sarasota and check out calusa.
Captain's liquors and wine in port charlotte. I've heard of people finding some real hidden gems there.
