Hurricane Milton has wreaked havoc in Florida — but one man’s determination to weather the storm has made him an overnight social media sensation.
Joseph Malinowski, who is an amputee, lives on a boat docked in Tampa, Florida. On Oct. 8, Florida residents were advised to evacuate the area due to the severe weather. Many followed the advice, but Malinowski refused.
Who is Lieutenant Dan?
This led to netizens affectionately referring to Malinowski as ‘Lieutenant Dan’ — an amputee in the movie “Forrest Gump” who also vowed to stay on his boat despite adverse weather conditions.
He initially found fame in a video interview with creator @terrenceconcannon, during which he said, “I’m in good shape, I’m not sweating it.”
According to Dexerto, Malinowski later said in a TikTok Live stream that if someone provided him with a place to stay, he would take it.
A GoFundMe has raised over $30,000 for him, with the local Chief of Police, the mayor, and millions of viewers all begging him to abandon ship. But despite this, Malinowski has remained on the boat.
On Oct. 9, controversial streamer Adin Ross also offered Manlinowski a new boat and streaming deal on Kick. And apparently, the new internet celebrity is considering taking Ross up on that deal.
In a press conference on Oct. 10, Tampa mayor Jane Castor confirmed that the police department had “rescued” Lieutenant Dan, and that he’s now residing in a shelter.
