As Hurricane Milton approached Florida’s Gulf Coast, threatening with unprecedented storm surges, TikTok personality Lieutenant Dan made an unexpected choice. Ignoring evacuation orders and safety warnings, he opted to remain aboard his sailboat anchored in Tampa Bay, leaving many questioning his safety.
Experts highlighted the potential devastation Hurricane Milton could wreak, especially in Tampa Bay, as residents in high-risk zones faced mounting pressure to evacuate. Officials urgently warned about the life-threatening storm surge, leading to a tense atmosphere.
Amid the chaos, Lieutenant Dan, whose real name is Joseph Malinowski, drew attention for his decision to stay put instead of fleeing. His choice sparked discussions about survival and safety as Milton drew closer, prompting authorities to intensify their warnings.
Evacuation Orders Issued
As Hurricane Milton neared the Florida coastline, local authorities escalated evacuation orders for the areas most at risk of severe storm surges. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued a stark warning: “If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are going to die.” With water levels expected to rise as high as nine feet, the storm’s threat was unprecedented for the region.
While many took the warnings seriously, Lieutenant Dan remained steadfast on his 20-foot sailboat, gaining notoriety among his 551,000 TikTok followers for his unconventional lifestyle and bold decisions. Concern for his safety grew among both his followers and local officials, yet Malinowski was resolute—he refused to leave. Despite multiple attempts from Tampa police to persuade him to evacuate, he remained unyielding.
In the hours leading up to Hurricane Milton’s landfall, police officers made several attempts to convince him to abandon his boat. At one point, Malinowski, who is 41, indicated he would evacuate. A police spokesperson stated, “After several conversations, he informed our officers of plans to evacuate this morning.” However, it soon became apparent that he had reversed his decision, choosing to weather the storm aboard his boat.
Anchored by Faith
Malinowski’s determination to stay was rooted in his faith and deep connection to his boat. In a TikTok video posted shortly before the storm, he explained his decision. “God told me to come out here and get a boat,” he said. “He’s been telling me in the last two days I’m doing the right thing. He’s got my back.”
For him, the boat symbolized divine protection. Despite the escalating urgency from authorities and worries from his followers, Malinowski believed he was in a safe place. When asked if he intended to wear a life jacket, he confidently replied, “Hell no. The safest place in the world to be is my boat.”
Documenting the Experience
As the storm’s arrival neared, Malinowski’s story captured the attention of his TikTok followers and the local community. Supporter Terrence Concannon, who had been following the situation closely, presented Malinowski with a GoPro camera, intending for him to document his experience during the storm. In a video titled “Lieutenant Dan’s last wish,” Concannon is heard saying, “Alright, Dan. Here’s your wish. GoPro.”
This gesture, perceived by many as a poignant token of support, took on a somber significance. Followers speculated that Malinowski’s intent was to capture what might be his final moments, further solidifying his commitment to remain on the boat despite concerns for his safety.
The Storm’s Arrival and Aftermath
When Hurricane Milton finally made landfall, its impact was as catastrophic as anticipated. Although Tampa managed to avoid the worst-case scenario of a 15-foot storm surge, the city faced torrential rains that far exceeded forecasts. In mere hours, Tampa received the equivalent of five months’ worth of rainfall. CNN correspondent Brian Todd described the deluge as “walls of water” inundating the streets, turning them into perilous waterways.
While the storm surge was less severe than initially feared, it still presented a significant risk. Earlier in the night, winds had temporarily pushed water out of Tampa Bay, revealing what appeared to be a dry riverbed. However, as the storm progressed, the water surged back in, prompting warnings that flooding could worsen in the hours ahead. Authorities cautioned that even after the storm’s worst had passed, downed power lines and deceptively deep floodwaters could still pose deadly hazards.
Information about Malinowski’s safety was scarce during the height of the storm. His boat remained anchored as wind and rain battered the region. It was only after the hurricane had passed that updates about his survival began to emerge.
Emerging Unscathed
As concerns about Malinowski’s safety escalated following Hurricane Milton’s passage, followers and locals anxiously awaited news. Thankfully, updates soon confirmed that he had survived the storm. Concannon, who had been documenting the unfolding events, reported that Malinowski had weathered the night aboard his sailboat. Despite the harrowing conditions and the significant dangers presented by the storm, Malinowski’s faith in his boat and his choice to remain proved to be his salvation.
Although he defied evacuation orders and pleas from others, Malinowski’s experience during Hurricane Milton has become part of his narrative—a testament to his steadfast beliefs. As Florida began to assess the storm’s damage, his survival brought relief to many. While his risky decision to stay on the boat was controversial, it ultimately resulted in the desired outcome: he lived to share his story.
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