Internet roots for Tampa's ‘Lieutenant Dan’ to ride out Hurricane Milton as he shares constant updates

TAMPA, FLORIDA: As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida's west coast, the one-legged Florida man's decision to stay put has captured the internet’s attention.

TikToker 'Lieutenant Dan', whose real name is Joseph Malinowski, has chosen to ride out the powerful storm on his boat, sharing constant updates with his followers.

Tampa TikToker 'Lieutenant Dan' rides out Hurricane Milton on boat

Despite warnings from local officials and pleas from social media users, Malinowski insists that staying on his boat is the safest option during the flood caused by the hurricane.

"I’m not going anywhere because the safest place to be is on a boat during a flood," Malinowski told NewsNation’s Brian Entin.

Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm with top wind speeds of 120 mph, made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, threatening the Tampa Bay area, home to more than 3.3 million residents. While many are evacuating or hunkering down in shelters, Malinowski remains anchored to his boat, reassuring followers he has everything under control.

“I know everybody is worried about me,” Malinowski said. “I have a secured anchor point. If the tide goes up, I go up. As long as the water stays out of the boat, I’ll be fine.”

There was a brief moment of confusion when Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced that Malinowski had been rescued and brought to a shelter. 

Castor announced during a press conference on Wednesday, “The Tampa Police Department, this morning, just saved Lieutenant Dan, He has been rescued, and he is now in a shelter as well. If we can get Lieutenant Dan to go to a shelter, we can get anybody to do that.”

However, it was later confirmed by reporter Brian Entin on social media that Malinowski was still on his boat.

Malinowski was safe but experienced some minor problems with his boat after it collided with the dock.

ET reported that Tampa Police told Jordan Bowen from FOX 13 that there were no officers present at the sailboat at this time.

‘Lieutenant Dan’ was spotted peeking out from the boat around 11 p.m., assuring NewsNation reporter Brian Entin that he was "fine." Earlier that evening, he shared a TikTok video updating his followers on how he and his boat were managing as the storm approached.

He mentioned that his boat was "secure," allowing him to endure the 120 mph winds, and reported that it had not yet suffered any structural damage.

"I'm not taking on any water, I haven't even spilled my coffee yet, I'm good, I've got everything I need, I've got plenty of water, I've got plenty of food. I could be in here for two weeks. I've got everything I need - coffee, creamer, everything."

At one point during the seven-and-a-half-minute video, loud banging could be heard amid the life-threatening winds. "It's just startling, that's just startling," Malinowski commented on the gusts, later likening the experience to being "rear-ended at 5 mph."

Later that night, Malinowski was seen telling Entin, "I'm fine," as the waters off Bayshore Boulevard began to recede and his boat started to sink. "The water's gone," he informed Fox 13 reporter Kevin O'Donnell, then inquired if the bay's water would return.

Tampa's ‘Lieutenant Dan’ gains support as he rides out Hurricane Milton on his boat

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida's west coast, TikToker 'Lieutenant Dan,' has become a viral sensation for his determination to stay on his boat during the storm. His updates have garnered significant attention, with many users cheering him on as he defies conventional advice to evacuate.

Fans of Lieutenant Dan took to social media to express their support, with one user commenting, "That’s the update everyone was hoping for, so happy to hear Lieutenant Dan is alright."

Others added humor to the situation, with one person quipping, "You woke him up. Dude was having the best sleep of his life."

Another added, "This man is on a mission from God and y'all won't leave him alone," while another shared, "Lieutenant Dan was getting a snoot full and this dude is yelling Lieutenant Dan, Lieutenant Dan, are you okay?"

Updates from news reporter Brian Entin about Lieutenant Dan's well-being have also been appreciated. "Thank you for checking on him, Brian! He’s live on kick now," one user wrote. Another declared, "What a legend!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.