US 41 Section to Be Named in Honor of Sgt. Elio Diaz
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – September 5, 2025 — A portion of U.S. 41 in Port Charlotte will soon bear the name of a fallen hero. The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners will officially dedicate a section of the roadway as the “Sgt. Elio Diaz Memorial Highway” during its meeting on September 9.
The memorial designation comes nine months after Sgt. Diaz lost his life during a traffic stop at the Chevron station at U.S. 41 and Melbourne Street. The stretch of highway will run from Melbourne Street to Church Street, honoring him at the very site where he gave his life in service to the community.
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said the tribute carries deep meaning for both the Sheriff’s Office and the wider community.
“This dedication means so much, as it represents a community that vows to never forget our brother. Here at CCSO, we still hear Elio’s laugh in the halls of our buildings and see his smile everywhere we go. I pray that Charlotte County remembers him as we do, and that those memories remind us all how much he loved serving his community. Elio will never be forgotten, and this stretch of highway – honoring him where he made the ultimate sacrifice – helps to ensure that.”
Sgt. Diaz is remembered not only as a dedicated deputy, but as a friend, a colleague, and a proud member of Charlotte County. The highway designation will stand as a lasting reminder of his service and sacrifice.