While millions evacuate Florida to protect themselves from Hurricane Milton, Joe C. is defying the odds by staying on his boat in Tampa’s harbor.
The internet, particularly social media users, have nicknamed him “Lieutenant Dan,” after the character from Forrest Gump, and he insists he only follows God’s orders and has no intention of abandoning his boat.
I’m glued to Lieutenant Dan Updates. https://t.co/Xg8wm09aU8 pic.twitter.com/Eh50JjHDCI
— Simply AJ aka Studious Steve aka Scuba Steve! (@AJpart2EW) October 9, 2024
The man’s actions have attracted attention from local authorities, with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor making a live public plea for him to move to a safe shelter. However, “Lieutenant Dan” refused, claiming that if the waters flood everything, his boat would be the only thing to survive the disaster.
For everyone worried about “Lieutenant Dan” – I just talked to him. His real name is Joseph Malinowski.
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) October 9, 2024
He says he is going to stay on his sailboat in the Tampa Bay. pic.twitter.com/UJWE7EAazt
Despite visits from dozens of volunteers and the Tampa police, no one has been able to convince him to leave.
Insane Florida man “Lieutenant Dan” plans on staying on his sailboat throughout the Hurricane.. 🤦♂️‼️pic.twitter.com/4664YqlCI2
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) October 9, 2024
Videos featuring “Lieutenant Dan” on TikTok have gone viral, amassing millions of views. Additionally, people from the local area who know him have set up an online donation account, which raised thousands of dollars within just three hours.
If you were following the story of disabled veteran ‘Lieutenant Dan’ riding out Cat 5 Hurricane Milton on his 20 foot boat (took him 5 years to get, & it’s all he owns) in the Tampa Harbor, he will now be SAFE.
— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) October 9, 2024
The Tampa Police Chief visited him, and convinced him to go to a… pic.twitter.com/MLFaepjNCA
Joe C., who has a past history of drug use, also lost his leg a few years ago.
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