Florida’s Lieutenant Dan Braves Hurricane Milton Despite Evacuation Orders, Becomes TikTok Sensation

Joseph Malinowski, also known as Lieutenant Dan, defies the storm and wins hearts.

A one-legged Florida man, Joseph Malinowski—popularly known as Lieutenant Dan—has captured the internet’s attention for his decision to ride out Hurricane Milton aboard his sailboat, defying evacuation orders in Tampa Bay. Despite repeated warnings from officials, including Tampa Bay Mayor Jane Castor and local police, Malinowski remained steadfast in his decision to face the hurricane head-on from the deck of his boat.

Defying Evacuation Orders

In the lead-up to the storm, Tampa Bay officials urged all residents to evacuate, opening multiple shelters for safety. In her final pre-storm press conference, Mayor Castor mentioned that officers had convinced Lieutenant Dan to seek shelter. However, Malinowski, who lost his leg in a car accident at the age of 16, had other plans.

Late at night, as Hurricane Milton’s winds battered the Florida coast, Malinowski was spotted sticking his head out of his sailboat, telling NewsNation reporter Brian Entin that he was “fine.” He even took to TikTok to show his followers how he was faring in the 120 mph winds. Despite the chaos, he remained calm, saying his boat was secure and hadn’t taken any water.

“I haven’t even spilled my coffee yet,” Malinowski told his more than 240,000 followers. “I’ve got everything I need—coffee, creamer, food. I could be in here for two weeks.”

Facing the Storm with Faith

Malinowski explained that his decision to stay was deeply rooted in faith. He described how he had spoken with God, who reassured him that he would be safe. “God told me, ‘I got you,’ so I know everything’s going to be alright,” he shared. Despite the life-threatening winds, he insisted that staying on his boat was about conquering his fears.

As the storm raged on, Malinowski’s boat initially withstood the elements, and he took the opportunity to thank his supporters. Many had offered him motel rooms or shelter in other states, but he remained on his boat. “I didn’t plan this, I didn’t expect this,” he said, “but this was God’s plan for me to bring the world together.” The unexpected turn of events kept everyone on the edge of their seats, unsure of what would happen next.

The Sinking of Lieutenant Dan’s Boat

As the storm intensified, so did concerns for Malinowski’s safety. At one point, he could be heard commenting on the loud banging from the wind gusts, comparing it to being “rear-end bumped at five mph.” By the early morning hours, the waters off of Bayshore Boulevard had receded, and his boat eventually sank.

When asked about the water levels by Fox 13 reporter Kevin O’Donnell, Malinowski expressed uncertainty about whether the water from the bay would return. Despite the disaster, his spirits remained high, showing resilience even as his boat went down.

A Viral Sensation and Community Support

Malinowski’s brave stance against Hurricane Milton has not only earned him viral fame but also the unwavering support of his followers. A GoFundMe campaign, set up by his friend Terrence Concannon, has already raised over $33,000 toward a new boat for Lieutenant Dan. The page praises him as “a modern-day pirate.” It promises that any leftover funds will go toward his living expenses and potentially even a long-desired gym membership. This outpouring of support is a testament to the power of community in times of need.

Concannon updated the GoFundMe page, stating that Malinowski had been moved to a safe shelter as the hurricane passed. He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of donations and kindness from people worldwide.

From Tragedy to Triumph

Malinowski’s life has been one marked by resilience. After losing his leg in a car accident at 16, he earned the nickname Lieutenant Dan, a nod to Gary Sinise’s character in Forrest Gump. His refusal to back down in the face of danger has not only inspired thousands of people in Florida but also across the globe. His story is a testament to the human spirit and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

As Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said, “If we can get Lieutenant Dan to go to a shelter, we can get anybody to do that.”