Joseph John Malinowski, better known as “Lieutenant Dan,” survived the devastating landfall of Hurricane Milton while riding out the storm on his sailboat, according to local reports.
Malinowski, 54, of Tampa, earned his nickname from the popular Forrest Gump character played by actor Gary Sinise, after he defiantly refused to evacuate despite dire warnings from officials.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor had issued grave evacuation notices ahead of the hurricane’s arrival, urging all residents in Milton’s path to leave immediately.
However, Lieutenant Dan remained steadfast in his decision to stay aboard his sailboat, even after authorities offered assistance to help him evacuate. His bold move went viral on TikTok, where viewers placed wagers on whether he would survive the Category 4 hurricane.
Fortunately, Malinowski lived to tell the tale. Social media posts confirmed that he survived Wednesday night’s harrowing storm, and videos of his sailboat floating in Tampa Bay have gained hundreds of thousands of views. While many praised his daring spirit, others criticized the recklessness of his decision.
As Malinowski gained widespread attention, reports have surfaced revealing his troubled past.
The Orlando Sentinel detailed a criminal history that includes a one-year prison sentence for assaulting a police officer.
In 2022, he was released after serving time for the battery of law enforcement officers.
Additionally, a separate case last year accused Malinowski of setting a park bench on fire and splashing gasoline on a nearby woman, who feared for her safety.
In February 2023, Malinowski faced more legal troubles after a woman accused him of throwing gasoline on her while she was smoking a cigarette, potentially endangering her life.
According to court records, Malinowski claimed he “threw the gasoline straight up into the air,” and though charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon were initially filed, the case was eventually dropped for reasons that remain unclear.
Despite his legal issues, Lieutenant Dan’s survival story during Hurricane Milton has captured the public’s imagination, making him a symbol of defiance in the face of nature’s fury, even as his past criminal actions have cast a shadow over his viral fame.
