As Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida’s west coast, one local figure is once again making headlines for his daring attitude toward storm safety. Lt. Dan, infamous for his decision to ride out Hurricane Helene on a boat off Bayshore Boulevard, is still aboard his vessel as the new storm approaches.
Mayor Castor Urges Caution, Highlights Lt. Dan’s Situation
In her final press conference before Hurricane Milton’s expected landfall, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of heeding evacuation orders. She noted, “If we can get Lt. Dan to go into a shelter, we can get anybody to do that,” after confirming that he had been rescued earlier in the week but remained determined to stay on his boat.
Despite the mayor’s warnings, Lt. Dan was spotted just before 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, engaging in discussions about cryptocurrency while preparing to adjust his boat’s angle against the strong winds. FOX 13’s Ariel Plasencia reported that Lt. Dan appeared unperturbed, insisting he had no plans to leave his vessel.
From Viral Fame to Storm Survival Lt. Dan’s Journey
Gaining notoriety through a series of viral TikTok videos, Lt. Dan captured public attention during Hurricane Helene when he was filmed challenging the storm, stating, “You want me? Come and get me.” His charismatic demeanor during the storm earned him millions of views and a dedicated following.
With Hurricane Milton intensifying, Lt. Dan has reiterated his commitment to ride out the storm, claiming divine inspiration for his decision. In a light-hearted TikTok post, he mentioned he wasn’t wearing a life jacket and even joked about having “room onboard for a lady.”
Community Concerns and Police Intervention
Despite the fun-loving approach, Lt. Dan’s actions have raised serious concerns among community leaders. Tampa’s police chief visited him earlier this week to inform him about evacuation orders and available shelters, urging him to reconsider his choices as the storm approaches.
Hurricane Milton What Residents Need to Know
As Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday morning, residents are advised to prioritize safety and follow official evacuation orders. While Lt. Dan’s antics provide a glimpse of humor amid the chaos, the seriousness of the storm cannot be overlooked.