🌿 Announcing the Fundraiser for the Sgt. Elio Diaz Memorial 🌿

A living tribute built by the community he served

Today, we are honored to officially launch the fundraiser for the Sgt. Elio Diaz Memorial, a community-built tribute that reflects the life, character, and final moments of service of Sgt. Diaz, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on December 15, 2024.

For more than a decade, Sgt. Diaz protected and uplifted the Charlotte County community. In the months since his passing, friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors have come together with one shared intention: to create something lasting in his honor. With the blessing of the Diaz family, the memorial is envisioned as a quiet place of reflection – a space where visitors can pause, honor his sacrifice, and be inspired to carry forward the values he lived by: service, courage, and care for others.

Phase 1: A Forest Planted Together

In January 2025, Phase 1 was completed with the planting of the Sgt. Diaz Memorial Forest, a 3,500 sq ft micro-forest of more than 400 native trees and shrubs. The Diaz family, CCSO colleagues, volunteers, and local businesses all came together to bring it to life. This forest now stands as a vibrant, growing symbol of the community that loved him.

Phase 2: Help Bring the Memorial Walkway to Life

We now turn to Phase 2, the heart of the memorial:– Constructing the 74-foot memorial walkway, symbolizing the final 74 minutes of Sgt. Diaz’s service– Installing engraved messages that reflect his words and legacy– Completing the reflection pool and the fractured granite bench– Finalizing infrastructure that will welcome visitors for generations

At the entrance to the Memorial Forest, visitors will encounter a message Sgt. Diaz often shared with his eldest daughter:

“Be a leader, not a follower.”

It sets the tone for the path ahead – a reminder to walk with intention and integrity.

A subtle countdown embedded in the walkway guides visitors minute by minute through his final call, echoing the patience, dignity, and compassion he showed while assisting a man experiencing homelessness. The path leads into a quiet reflection pool, where a single fractured granite bench stands apart, symbolizing how Sgt. Diaz was suddenly and violently separated from his family and community.

At the pool’s center, the final inscription reads:

“In Memory of Sgt. Elio Diaz – Be of Service.”

This is the message at the heart of the memorial – an invitation to carry his spirit forward through acts of compassion.

Donor Recognition

Because this memorial is truly a community effort, every supporter will be acknowledged. Donors will have their names inscribed on the granite benches lining the walkway and listed on the memorial webpage. This project exists because of the strength and unity of our community, and we want each supporter to be recognized as part of its foundation.

How You Can Help

The fundraising goal on GoFundMe is only a placeholder required to launch the campaign. The full project estimate will be shared once contractor bids are finalized. All funds raised – after standard transaction fees – will go directly toward the creation, installation, and long-term care of the Sgt. Diaz Memorial.

Please note that Hope Eternal Gardens is a for-profit organization, and donations are not tax-deductible.

If you are able to donate, every dollar truly makes a difference.If you cannot donate, sharing the fundraiser with five people who care about community, service, or local impact is just as meaningful.

👉 Donate or share the fundraiser here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-for-sgt-diaz-a-lasting-tribute

With Gratitude

Phase 1 was only possible because of extraordinary generosity. Thank you to all who contributed plants, materials, equipment, food, music, or volunteered time:

Native Plants

EarthBalance • Sandhill Native Growers • Natives of Corkscrew • Sebastian River Farms • Kings Nursery • Hope Eternal Gardens

Woodchips

Coastal Tree & Mowing

Sitework & Potting Soil

DeSoto Sand and Fill

Event Food Truck

The Cuban Flavor

Event Music & Equipment

Daniel Candia • Charlotte Preparatory School

Portable Sanitation

Toi Toi USA

Event Donations

Ricci Family • Robie Family • Kellie Welch • Maureen Brady

Advisors

Diaz Family • Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office • Kellie Welch • Trent Near • Maureen Brady • Jim Stump • Casey Gundlach

Memorial Design & Project Management

Hope Eternal Gardens

Donate

All funds raised (after standard transaction fees) will be used solely for the creation, installation, and ongoing care of the Diaz Memorial. Please note that Hope Eternal Gardens is a for-profit organization, and donations are not tax-deductible.