Tampa’s "Lieutenant Dan": A Viral Saga Amid Hurricane Milton
In mid-September, University of Tampa senior Terrence Concannon experienced an unexpected twist during his usual route home. He stumbled upon a man named Joseph Malinowski, a 54-year-old resident living on a sailboat, who was caught in turbulent winds and heading out to sea. Despite the casual passersby thinking he was "crazy," Malinowski, struggling with a significant life change, found an unexpected ally in Concannon. The young student did not hesitate to help, using a rope to pull Malinowski safely back to the dock.
This initial encounter sparked a viral phenomenon as Concannon began documenting Malinowski’s remarkable determination to weather Hurricane Helene, and now Hurricane Milton, live on TikTok. With millions tuning in, Malinowski has earned the nickname "Lieutenant Dan," inspired by the resilient character from Forrest Gump. He relates to this figure, having faced his own hardships, including homelessness and the amputation of a leg after a severe car accident at the age of 16.
As Hurricane Milton approaches Tampa, expected to make landfall soon, Concannon’s TikTok updates present an ongoing saga that captivates and concerns viewers. Forecasters warn of a potentially life-threatening storm surge up to 15 feet, urging residents in evacuation zones to prioritize safety. However, against all odds, Malinowski remains steadfast, vowing not to abandon his 20-foot sailboat.
Concannon’s first TikTok featuring Malinowski was posted on September 25, titled “Lieutenant Dan vs Hurricane Helene,” and has since garnered over 1.2 million views. The reaction from viewers ranged from profound concern to encouragement, with comments urging Concannon to check in on Malinowski’s well-being. Malinowski’s resilience in the face of storms captured collective attention, providing a captivating narrative of survival.
Throughout Hurricane Helene, while many were preoccupied with safety precautions, Malinowski continued to embrace the storm. Following its passage, he humorously noted that his boat fared surprisingly well, describing how it was washed clean rather than damaged. His TikTok following surged, recently exceeding 211,000, as viewers continued to rally around him, eager to see how he would fare against Hurricane Milton.
Understanding the gravity of his situation, Concannon established a GoFundMe page to support Malinowski, raising over $22,000, which serves not only as financial assistance but also symbolizes a community rallying behind a man they’ve come to admire. Malinowski expressed his gratitude, sharing how he once felt alone in the world, but Concannon’s kindness reignited hope within him.
As Hurricane Milton threatens to be one of the most severe storms Tampa has faced in over a century, many— including Concannon— worry about the fate of “Lieutenant Dan.” Despite the imminent danger, Malinowski’s story serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and community support during challenging times. The saga of Concannon and Malinowski transcends mere headlines and showcases the power of human connection in the face of adversity.
