Lieutenant Dan Faces Hurricane Milton in Tampa
As Hurricane Milton approached Florida, a man known as "Lieutenant Dan," named after the character from Forrest Gump, gained significant media attention for his decision to stay on his boat despite evacuation orders. Here are the latest updates on this situation:
Background on Lieutenant Dan
- Real Identity: The man, identified as Joseph Malinowski, has become a viral sensation on TikTok for refusing to leave his 20-foot sailboat as Hurricane Milton, initially a Category 4 storm, threatened the Tampa area.
- Reasons for Staying: Malinowski expressed that he felt guided by faith to remain on his boat, saying, "God told me to be here." He had previously weathered Hurricane Helene in the same manner and was confident he could do it again.
Rescue Attempts and Current Status
- Evacuation Efforts: Local authorities, including the Tampa Police Department, tried multiple times to persuade Malinowski to evacuate. Despite these attempts, he refused help, stating he would only leave if his boat started to break apart.
- Mayor's Announcement: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor initially reported that Malinowski had been rescued and taken to safety. However, it soon became clear that he remained on his boat, contradicting the mayor's claims.
- Support Campaign: A TikTok creator named Terrence Concannon started a GoFundMe campaign to assist Malinowski, raising over $23,000 to help him get a larger boat.
Hurricane Milton's Impact
- Storm Details: Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm, with winds reaching 145 mph. Authorities warned of potentially deadly storm surges and urged residents in evacuation zones to leave for their safety.
- Public Concern: As the hurricane approached, social media users and local officials expressed increasing worry for Malinowski's safety. Many viewers of Concannon's videos were captivated by his story and urged him to find shelter.
In conclusion, Joseph Malinowski's determination in the face of Hurricane Milton has drawn both admiration and concern from the public and local authorities as they navigate the challenges posed by this severe weather event.