Lieutenant Dan Goes Viral on TikTok: Florida Man on Boat Amid Hurricane Milton

A man from Tampa, Florida, affectionately known as ‘Lieutenant Dan,’ has captured the attention of social media with his decision to remain on his boat amid the impending Hurricane Milton.

Hurricane Milton is forecasted to strike the eastern coastline of Florida on October 9, 2024, prompting many social media users to share their plans to withstand the storm.

Lieutenant Dan quickly gained notoriety on TikTok and other platforms after his intentions to stay on his boat during the hurricane became widely known.

His rise to internet fame began with an interview conducted by TikToker Terrenceconcannon, where he elaborated on his reasoning for not leaving his vessel.

“I’m in good shape; I’m not concerned. We’ve prepared it properly; we know what we’re doing,” he stated. “If you’re on land, you face the risk of drowning. I’m on a boat, and it will rise with the water.”

@terrenceconcannon
@JoeSea discusses his decision to stay on the boat

♬ original sound – Tampa Terrence

As concerns grew among viewers, meteorologists warned that Hurricane Milton could be one of the most powerful storms to ever impact Florida. Authorities predict storm surges reaching 15 feet, which may lead to significant flooding in Dan’s area.

Despite attempts from Tampa police and others encouraging him to leave his boat, Dan was reluctant, as it represents his sole possession.

During a TikTok Live session on October 8, he expressed that he would consider vacating his boat if someone helped him secure alternative accommodation.

Reports from users on X indicated that the Tampa Police Chief successfully persuaded him to leave his vessel.

“The Tampa Police Chief convinced him to go to a shelter. I’m so relieved!” remarked one user.

If you were following the story of disabled veteran ‘Lieutenant Dan’ braving Cat 5 Hurricane Milton on his 20-foot boat (which took him five years to acquire, and is all he owns) in Tampa Harbor, he will now be SAFE. The Tampa Police Chief visited him and persuaded him to… pic.twitter.com/MLFaepjNCA

— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) October 9, 2024

For those interested in following Dan’s journey, he has shared numerous updates about his life aboard the boat on his TikTok page.

In support of Dan, fans have even launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at helping him acquire a better boat. So far, they have raised $19,191 out of a $25,000 goal.

This comes closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene’s recent devastation across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, which severely impacted homes and destroyed communities. Former Fortnite Pro Tfue also shared footage of the extensive flooding that ruined his childhood home.

Source