As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida, a local man named Dan made a bold decision that quickly went viral on TikTok: he rode out the storm on his boat. Millions around the world watched as he tunneled his way in and defied the evacuation warnings and the advice of local officials to continue the journey. Dan’s story is not just one record of the courage and danger to face one of the most violent forces of nature, but it is a mirror that describes Dan, a man coldly ambitious and not afraid of any suns in the world. However, in this article, we dig in to the decision (or choice) of staying made by Dan and the effect of the storm — and the internet came together behind him and his act of defiance.
What Is Hurricane Milton and Why Is It So Dangerous?
A powerful Category 3 hurricane — Hurricane Milton — was expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast late Wednesday. Hurricane Milton, with wind speeds of 120 mph and a big storm surge predicted, was a very bad threat to coastal sections, particularly if individuals do not leave on time.
The storm could bring heavy rains and, dangerous floods and damage to infrastructure, local officials said, urging residents in evacuation zones to leave home. As warnings intensified, the question arose: with that kind of storm, you’d never be able to stay on a boat safely!
Why Did Dan Choose to Ride Out Hurricane Milton on His Boat?
A Florida man tagged locally as a seasoned sailor went viral Tuesday when he announced he would stay where he is — on his boat — as Hurricane Milton barrels its way in and is expected to make landfall late Wednesday. User Tampa Terrence quickly documented (and shared on TikTok) Dan’s decision, becoming an internet hero for some and a cautionary tale for others.
Dan’s reasoning? He thought his boat was thick and strong enough to fight out the storm and better off riding it out on the water rather than evacuating to a shelter. Dan also reportedly told his followers instigated debate online as to whether taking this risk is justified or not.
Read: The Nutritional Power of Eggs: Understanding Calories and Health Benefits
How Did Dan’s Decision Go Viral on TikTok?
Tampa Terrence posted videos showing Dan prepping his boat for the hurricane early this week and they went viral in just a few hours. Users saw the video of Dan calmly saying, “I’m not going anywhere because the safest place is my boat,” and millions of people watched it. Some users debated whether he was brave or foolish, and comments poured in, with some suggesting he could have rescued Lieutenant Dan from danger.
On social media, people filled Twitter with hashtags #ridingouthurricanemilton and #miltononboat, as well as eagerly awaited updates on Dan’s progress. His decision had the internet talking, and his story was one of the top viral trends from the week.
What Were Local Officials Saying About Hurricane Milton?
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and local officials have repeatedly urged residents to heed evacuation orders ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall, including over the preceding several days. “We are within a serious storm.” ‘If you are in a evacuation zone, you need to go to a shelter, as well,’ Castor said at a press conference.
Dan refused to evacuate despite his best efforts, as he was convinced he could ride out the storm. Officials called on vulnerable sections to evacuate, and warned that the region could experience severe flooding.
What Were the Risks of Staying on a Boat During Hurricane Milton?
Dan’s decision to stay on a boat during a hurricane was no exception and is dangerous. Hurricane Milton’s strong winds and storm surge could have flipped or damaged his boat pretty badly. The high water levels were also a concern for flooding, which, even when the sturdiest of vessels would not be able to handle the high water levels.
High waves and winds can toss boats — particularly sailboats — and keep passengers onboard at risk. Dan remained anchored in the storm’s path against these dangers, believing in his boat’s strength.
What Role Did Tampa Police Play in Dan’s Story?
Dan was able to go to sleep that night because Tampa Police Department played a big role in keeping the residents safe. Around 9 a.m., police officers made rounds, urging people to get out of the water, and they had multiple attempts to persuade Dan to leave his boat. One officer said ‘wewere trying to get Lieutenant Dan to go but he [God] wasnt leaving.’
Tampa Police, in the end, respected Dan’s decision, even though they remained at high alert, prepared to help, if needed.
Did Dan Ultimately Get Rescued?
Many wondered if Dan would survive Hurricane Milton when it made landfall. Dan and his boat were battered but ‘intact,’ according to reports. Still, because of the force of the storm, rescue crews, including the Tampa Police Department, were on standby to get anybody in danger to safety.
Tampa Terrence posted videos on TikTok late Wednesday showing Dan riding out the storm, but many, worried about his safety, continued to call for an alert to be sounded in Tampa Bay. And now his final fate remains a mystery, with many hoping Dan would change his mind and go ashore in a safer ship.
What Were Other Residents in Florida Doing During Hurricane Milton?
Dan’s story was way out there, but when most people in Florida heeded evacuation orders, it was ordinary. With the seriousness of Hurricane Milton they knew, thousands of people fled to shelters or left for safer areas. Many residents reported damage from storm surge and flooding in evacuation zones.
Learn More: Siesta Key Braces for Hurricane Milton: A Monster Storm Threatens Tourism and Lives
How Does Hurricane Milton Compare to Past Hurricanes?
Hurricane Milton was not the first Florida hurricane to threaten. Hurricane Helene and other large, damaging storm drew comparisons. Milton was a destructive wind and flood storm, but it’ll be known for Dan’s viral tale.
Lessons Learned from Dan’s Story: When Should You Evacuate?
Dan’s story shows why you need to take evacuation orders seriously. Despite the now-viral story of his decision to stay on his boat, it also brought to light the dangers of flying against the safety advice during hurricanes. Listen always to local officials, evacuate on their orders, and protect yourself.
Key Takeaways
- A Category 3 hurricane named Hurricane Milton threatened severe risks to Florida’s west coast.
- Florida man Dan decided to stay on his boat through the storm, shedding attention in TikTok.
- Tampa Police urged, and local officials begged Dan to evacuate, but he wouldn’t.
- Widespread flooding and damage resulted from a storm, but Dan’s story went viral.
- Dan’s story underscored the importance of listening to an evacuation warning and getting to shelter during hurricanes.
FAQs
How did Florida’s Lieutenant Dan fair when he took Hurricane Milton out on his boat?
In the case of Joseph Malinowski, Florida’s Lieutenant Dan, we know him as a person who thought it’d be fun to weather out Hurricane Milton on his boat, earning the nickname The predicted coming of the storm late Wednesday prompted local officials to urge residents to evacuate to a shelter. But Lieutenant Dan decided to remain on his sail boat because he thought it was safer than going off. His decision went viral on TikTok, documenting the intensity of the storm and his heart and soul.
Why did Lieutenant Dan not board his ship during Hurricane Milton?
A Florida man who calls himself Lieutenant Dan said he felt a strong connection to the water and that the safest place to ride out the storm was on his boat. He also told me that he had experience with storms and knew he could take care of it. “He said, ‘No one is going anywhere because the safest place for me is right here.” Everybody seems to have been in agreement with this sentiment, and they all had so much to talk about — both the risks and the rewards of just staying put during severe weather.
What did local officials have to say about Lieutenant Dan’s decision?
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and local officials were concerned Lieutenant Dan chose to stay on his boat. Castor added “we urge everyone to evacuate to a shelter as well.” The officials warned Hurricane Milton about possible storm surge and flooding, as well as the dangers of getting caught in the center of the storm, which could lead to a disastrous encounter. The warnings of the doctors didn’t stop Lieutenant Dan from staying, instead their warnings became the focal point of media coverage and public interest.
What did social media have to say about Lieutenant Dan’s experience?
Tampa Terrence’s TikTok user videos showing Lieutenant Dan riding out Hurricane Milton on his boat went viral. His bravery made viewers anxious and the footage of the storm so dramatic. Some of them praised him, while others wished him well but prudently. People tweeted out #LieutenantDan #LieutenantDanStarstories #LieutenantDanStory2 #LTdaniel and so on with what they thought or reacted as people’s tweets grew further across social media platforms.
