‘It’s a man who is just trying to do his job:’ HCSO provides details after security guard gets killed

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A man is facing manslaughter charges following a fight with a nightclub security guard that turned deadly.

The incident happened on July 2 at Tally Ho Bar, Lounge & Grill, located on North 56th Street in Hillsborough County.

There is currently a memorial set up outside of the bar for the guard, with candles, balloons and flowers.

Local businesses 8 On Your Side spoke with said their prayers are with the guard’s family and the business.

“It’s scary, you can’t go out and enjoy yourself or go to work and then you end up dying, that’s crazy,” said Carolyn Sellers, who works at a neighboring business.

The sheriff’s office was called to the bar around 1:30 a.m.

“This is a case that’s really unfortunate,” said Phil Martello with the sheriff’s office. “It’s a man who is just trying to do his job. He’s a security guard, he’s simply just trying to protect patrons at Tally Ho and he’s trying to protect the community.”

Martello said someone inside the bar was causing an altercation when security got called in and removed the guy.

“Our suspect is just not going out easily, he’s throwing a tantrum the entire time, yelling, he’s throwing arms, trying to fight anyone within sight,” Martello said.

Joshua Valdibieso was charged with battery, but that charge was upgraded to manslaughter after the 50-year-old guard died.

“Ultimately this man, this dangerous man, is throwing punches and strikes him with an elbow and that’s what causes everything,” Martello said.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the area around the bar is a place they get called to a lot.

“Our detectives, our deputies, are frequently patrolling that area,” he said. “There have been incidents there in the past. We’re constantly in communication with their management making sure they have the right security protocols in place.”

Neighboring businesses, like DIY Room, said they hope everyone stays safe.

“I have a lot of sympathy for someone who just loses their life, or gets hurt, over something or somebody doing something stupid,” Sellers said.

Tally Ho did not immediately respond to a News Channel 8 request for comment.

The sheriff’s office said it will not tolerate violence, and that nobody should be causing fights as businesses.

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