Dec. 22 marked one week since Sgt. Elio Diaz was shot and killed in the line of duty. To help honor the fallen hero, the Twisted Fork, along with several other businesses in Charlotte County, created a drink called "True Blue Hero," an effort to raise money for Diaz's family.
NBC2 spoke to the Bert Parsley the owner of the restaurant, he said they were overwhelmed with the amount of support to honor the sergeant. Doors opened at 11 a.m., and in just a few hours, they served over 100 drinks, and the number is expected to grow even more.
Parsley added that he had the opportunity to meet Diaz along with other officers at his restaurant for a going away party just one week before he passed away, telling NBC2 that he was a great man despite only meeting him once. Once he heard the sad news, he wanted to do whatever he could to help out.
"Heard about this just terrible tragedy, senseless act of violence and you know we want to do something for them," Parsley said. "You know, the community has been there for us, and the sheriff's department has been here for us, and we're going to certainly want to exchange that favor."
Parsley said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell is well aware of the fundraiser that is going on.
The drink is $20, and 100% of the proceeds will be given directly to the family through the Black Widow Harley Davidson nonprofit Bert's Salute to America.
The Waverly Restaurant & Bar and Farlow's on The Water in Englewood are also participating in the efforts.
Parsley told NBC2 that there is no set date when the fundraiser will end, but he plans on raising as much money as possible.
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