Heroic Florida Trooper Honored At MacDill Airfest

A heroic state trooper is honored in a very special way at the MacDill Airfest. If you remember Florida Highway Patrol officer, Toni Schuck. She is the state trooper who moved her vehicle into the path of a drunk driver who was headed toward the Skyway Bridge in 2022.

This was happening while the Skyway 10K was going on and 8,000 runners were on the Skyway at the time of the accident. Because she put her vehicle in the pathway of that drunk driver she saved a lot of people from being hurt or even worse.

So the heroic Florida trooper was honored in a special way at the Tampa Bay Airfest Air Force Base. She got to fly in one of the Thunderbirds, which will be featured at the Airfest. The Department of Defense said that many people submitted for a chance to fly with the Thunderbirds, but Schuck was the one who was chosen to fly.

So what did she say after she was done with her flight? She said, “The scariest most intense thing I’ve ever done.” Riding with the Thunderbirds is scarier than knowing you are going to get into a crash with a drunk. She is absolutely a heroic Florida trooper.

Tampa Bay Airfest at MacDill Air Force Base is a free event that happens. The event usually draws around 150,000 people. It features aerial performances which showcases all five branches of the United States military. Additionally, first responder agencies are involved as well. The 2024 version of Airfest will be the last one that happens for the next 3 to 4 years. This is because of a $300 million project that will be starting this summer at MacDill Air Force Base.They may have a record crowd when the event comes back in 2027 or 2028.

Tampa Bay AirFest at MacDill Air Force Base is an exhilarating show that exhibits the world of military aviation. This amazing event attracts thousands of spectators from across Tampa Bay and the state of Florida. AirFest showcases firsthand the capabilities of military aircraft and the powerful skill sets of their pilots. It's happening on March 29-30 in Tampa.

The AirFest features thrilling aerial demonstrations from a diverse array of aircraft. They offer fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor and F-16 Fighting Falcon to huge cargo planes and even show off paratroopers. Most of these demonstrations highlight the agility, speed, and precision of these incredible machines, leaving visitors in awe of their power.

They also showcase several other wonderful exhibits as well. AirFest opens up ground attractions letting attendees walk around and explore military aircraft up close and personal from different branches of the armed forces. This is a fabulous event to take your kids to so they can tour static aircraft that are on display and learn about their capabilities. You can even meet the pilots and crew members who operate them. Sometimes you can even touch equipment and watch technology that is employed by today's armed forces. Find more information about shows and times by clicking here.

While you're at the event you also get to learn about the rich history of MacDill Air Force Base. It's played a vital role in America's military operations for decades. Giving you a glimpse into the base's past and honoring the men and women who have served throughout the years. If you plan on taking your family, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure that you have an amazing time. Since this show is a family event it's important to prepare yourself especially if you are bringing little kids. A couple of important things to know is since it is a biennial show, many people will attend from all over the state. Traffic will be a huge issue and getting in and out can take hours. We have all your tips listed below to make sure you have an excellent experience.

Parking is very crowded, but it is worth it to go. There's parking just outside of the base if you don’t want to fight the traffic getting in and out. Some establishments will even let you use their bathrooms. Also, consider biking down or driving and parking somewhere and biking from about a mile away. Traffic was gridlocked last time. You could see cars sit for hours and make very little forward movement. Follow the guidelines and only enter from the Dale Mabry, MacDill or Tanker Gate. The Bayshore Gate is reserved for on base workers and residents.

You can book a reservation at a nearby restaurant and watch the entire things without even entering MacDill! Hula Bay is offering reservations to watch from there which sounds like an excellent idea.

It gets incredibly hot! Way hotter than you think! If the sun is out you might be in trouble if you don't back extra water! Bring all the bottles with you.

It will be incredibly loud! Ear protection for everyone is important. Even kids who have ear plugs, over the ear protection still comment on how it's still super loud.

Not only does it get extremely hot but seating is limited. Bring your own seat with an umbrella so you can sit in the shade. That way everyone can relax and not get burned. You can enjoy everything!

That sun will wear you down! Be careful especially with the little ones that you bring all the sunscreens. Even if it's going to be cloudy make sure you protect yourself. You don't want to leave with a massive sunburn.

Because of the limited entry points, mass transportation and rideshare are not authorized for Airfest weekend. It is recommended to take your own car and carpool with as many people as you can!

If you're coming from South Tampa and areas of East Tampa, use the Dale Mabry and MacDill Ave gates. If you're driving from West Tampa, take the S Westshore blvd to Interbay to enter Tanker Way Gate.

Get there extra early! They will and have shut down entry due to having too many people on base. In the past, people have been sitting in line and were forced to turn around and leave line. Gates open at 8a!