PORT CHARLOTTE — In the weeks following the shooting death of Charlotte County Sheriff’s Deputy Elio Diaz on Dec. 14, groups, businesses and even children in the community have organized fundraisers to help his family of five.
The Bleeding Blue nonprofit recently created a challenge coin with Sgt. Diaz’s end of watch date and his face. They are taking orders to produce the coin and Elio Diaz T-shirts. Proceeds from these sales go to the family.
On Dec. 22, friends of the family held an exhibition game fundraiser with the North Port Fusion Soccer team raising thousands at the event at Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda. The event brought businesses, nonprofits and supporters from several areas together in support of the family.
Pioneer Cuts barber shop in Port Charlotte had a multi-day raffle and donated money from haircuts on a packed Saturday to the family. Charlie Foxtrot Brewing and The Twisted Fork in Port Charlotte have had fundraisers to help the family.
Last week, 40-off duty officers from area law enforcement agencies collected hundreds in donations from shoppers at Walmart and Publix locations for the family.