Santa Rosa Sheriff Shares Rescue Story, TikTok Warning, and Active Investigation
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Santa Rosa County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson joined Pensacola Morning News Monday morning with a mix of updates — including a heartwarming rescue story, a public safety warning, and an ongoing investigation.
Deputy Honored for Keeping Quiet About a Life He Saved
The highlight of the conversation was the story of recently retired deputy Phillip Smith, who saved a young man's life on the Blackwater River — and never told anyone about it. Smith and his wife pulled the injured boy from the water after he fell from his boat and was struck by the propeller, suffering serious cuts to his neck and chest. Smith's wife, a nurse, helped control the bleeding until help arrived. The department only found out about the rescue later — and surprised Smith with a lifesaving medal at his own retirement ceremony, with the boy he saved in attendance. Johnson noted the young man had no life jacket and no kill switch on his boat at the time of the accident.
TikTok Door Kick Challenge Returns
Johnson is also warning residents about the door kick challenge — a viral TikTok trend that has participants kicking or banging loudly on strangers' doors. The sheriff says in Santa Rosa County, where most households are armed, the stunt could turn deadly fast. He's urging parents to talk to their kids and is pushing warnings through social media and local news outlets.
Body Found Near Garcon Point Bridge
Investigators are still working to identify a man whose body was recovered near the Garcon Point Bridge last week. An autopsy found no signs of foul play, with drowning considered the likely cause of death. A possible match to a Louisiana missing persons case is being pursued through DNA comparison. The sheriff's office will release more information when it becomes available.
