1. CHILDREN’S CHARITIES: $3 million raised at SWFL Food, Wine Fest auction
The 2026 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest raised a whopping $3 million.
It kicked off Feb. 27 and culminated with a Grand Tasting event Feb. 28 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs.
Southwest Florida Children’s Charities, Inc.’s “Your Passport Awaits: Destination Hope” was the theme of this year’s event.
The 2025 event raised more than $2.5 million.
SWFL Children’s Charities Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the region’s pediatric healthcare system.
The organization has donated more than $32 million over the past 16 years to support children’s health initiatives, including pediatric oncology, behavioral and mental health and pediatric neurosurgery. – Dave Osborn/USA TODAY Network-Florida
2. 60 MONTHS: For Naples man who kicked child, knocked out tooth
A Naples man who slapped a tooth from child’s mouth and kicked him in the stomach before witnesses saw him arguing with the child’s grandmother will spend 60 months in prison.
A Collier County jury had convicted Michael William Pelton, 37, of child abuse.
Pelton, according to his arrest affidavit, yelled at a child, 9, before the boy ran, saying he was trying to kill him on March 13, 2024.
Collier County deputies responded and witnessed Pelton screaming at a woman with two children in a car, according to Pelton’s arrest affidavit. – Stacey Henson/USA TODAY Network-Florida
3. READ MORE: Online now at marconews.com
If you missed Tuesday’s Marco Eagle, you can read those stories online now at marconews.com or click on the eNewspaper and read it and other past issues online, just as they appear in print.
Tuesday’s articles include:
Also, when you click on 3 To Know or 3 To Do, we have helpful links that expand on the topics discussed. The SWFLA To Do List has events listed far in advance of those in print, so that you can plan ahead. There are also stories of interest from around the region and around the state. And no subscription is required.
Read more at marconews.com.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: 3 To Know: $3 million raised for charity; Naples man sentenced; more
Reporting by Marco Eagle / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
