DeSoto deputies raise awareness for upcoming charity run through bagging Publix groceries

ARCADIA, Fla.—Grocery shoppers at Publix in Arcadia were met with a pleasant sight as members of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office were helping bag groceries.

On Thursday, the sheriff’s office shared on their Facebook page several deputies helping customers bag their groceries to help raise awareness for the upcoming 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The event helps raise funds for the Special Olympics of Florida.

This year’s run is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, at 8 a.m., where runners will begin at the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office and end at the Publix in Arcadia.

Those interested in participating in this year’s run have several options. The first option will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, offering an opportunity to purchase a shirt and sign up for the run.

For those unable to do so, the second option involves traveling to the sheriff’s office, located at 208 E. Cypress Street.