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A Tampa man, affectionately nicknamed “Lieutenant Dan”, made headlines after safely riding out Hurricane Milton aboard his 20-foot sailboat, even as the Category 3 storm lashed Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Joseph Malinowski, who earned the moniker from the character in the 1994 movie Forrest Gump, was seen in videos shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) late on Wednesday, Oct. 9, calmly discussing his night on the water after the hurricane made landfall near Siesta Key. Despite the powerful winds and intense storm surge, Malinowski remained onboard his boat in Tampa Bay, refusing evacuation assistance offered by local authorities.
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“Lieutenant Dan” Becomes a Viral Sensation
Malinowski’s decision to stay on his boat during the hurricane drew widespread attention, first gaining traction earlier in the week when he appeared in a TikTok video posted by Terrence Concannon. In the video, Malinowski expressed confidence that he could safely ride out the storm, citing his faith in God as his guiding reason for staying put.
“God told me to come out here and get a boat. He’s been telling me in the last two days that I’m doing the right thing. He’s got my back,” Malinowski explained. He added, “We’re gonna ride this one out,” doubling down on his decision to face the hurricane from his sailboat.
When asked whether he would wear a life jacket during the storm, Malinowski replied, “Hell no,” and humorously added that “the safest place in the world to be is my boat.”
Journalists Capture the Aftermath
As Hurricane Milton passed, journalists captured footage of Malinowski still aboard his sailboat. Kevin O’Donnell, an anchor for FOX 13 News, shared a video update with the caption, “Lieutenant Dan UPDATE: He survived to talk about his wild night riding out Hurricane Milton on his 20 ft sailboat.” The video showed Malinowski cheerfully greeting O’Donnell, asking about the water levels as the reporter reassured him that the worst of the storm had passed.
In a separate video, NewsNation correspondent Brian Entin approached Malinowski’s boat and asked, “Lieutenant Dan, are you okay?” Malinowski emerged from the hatch, responding confidently, “I’m fine.” Entin assured him, “I think you made it through the worst of it,” to which Malinowski replied, “I’m stuck here,” referring to the difficult conditions but showing no signs of distress.
A Defiant Stand During a Dangerous Storm
Malinowski’s decision to remain on his sailboat during the hurricane raised concerns, with authorities offering him evacuation assistance that he repeatedly declined. Fortunately, despite the dangers of staying on the water during such a powerful storm, Lieutenant Dan survived the ordeal unscathed.
Malinowski’s experience during Hurricane Milton not only highlighted the personal choices some residents make during storms but also showcased his strong sense of faith and self-assurance. His story quickly became viral across social media, capturing the attention of millions who followed his brave (and some would say reckless) decision to weather the hurricane from his boat.
Conclusion
While Hurricane Milton caused severe damage across Florida, leaving millions without power and resulting in tragic fatalities, Joseph Malinowski—Tampa’s very own “Lieutenant Dan”—emerged safely from the storm, having stuck to his convictions. His viral fame is a reminder of the resilience and unique character of those who choose to weather the storm their own way, even amid warnings and offers of safety.
As recovery efforts continue across the Sunshine State, Malinowski’s story serves as an unexpected highlight from a devastating storm that many will remember for its powerful impact.
