ST. PETERSBURG, Fla — Honors for Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Toni Schuck continue to come in following her heroic actions stopping an accused drunk driver during the Skyway 10K race.
On Thursday, the St. Petersburg City Council awarded Schuck with a key to the city. St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch was able to present the key as a symbol of the city's recognition and thanks for Schuck's valor.
"It's an honor to join in recognition of a true hero, FHP Trooper Toni Schuck," the mayor said. "We pray for your continued recovery and we're thankful for your selfless service and for placing yourself in harm's way deliberately and without hesitation to save countless lives."
The key was accepted by Florida Highway Patrol on behalf of Schuck who was not present at the meeting amid ongoing recovery from her injuries.
The latest honor comes a few days after Manatee County leaders declared March 22 as "Trooper Toni Schuck Day."
At around 8:45 a.m. on March 6, Kristen Watts, a 52-year-old from Sarasota, drove through the closed toll plaza on the Manatee County side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Seeing the approaching car, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins radioed two troopers and others to have them intercept the driver and protect thousands of runners participating in the Skyway 10K on the bridge.
In the dashcam video, you see Schuck's patrol car drive in the middle of two lanes just before Watts' car smashes into the trooper, almost head-on. The sound of sirens and rustling debris can be heard shortly after.
Watts is charged with two counts of DUI with damage to property or person, two counts of reckless driving with damage to property or a person and DUI causing serious bodily injury. FHP reports later revealed that she had a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal drinking limit.
Schuck, 47, is a mother of two and a 26-year veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol. She said she plans to return to work once she recovers from her injuries.