Streamer Adin Ross made headlines when, on October 10, 2024, he gave a $100,000 boat to Lieutenant Dan, a popular TikTok personality, as outside weather conditions were stormy, with Hurricane Milton working its way toward Florida.
As Hurricane Milton closed in on Florida, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued urgent warnings for evacuation. But Lieutenant Dan decided to ride out the storm in his 20-foot sailboat. He became quite an overnight sensation on TikTok, where his audacious decision called forth both applause and alarm. Even bets were placed as to whether he would survive-a surreal reflection of the bizarre intrigue his decision inspired.
Always full of surprises, Adin Ross created viral content in store for Lieutenant Dan, whose real name is Joseph Malinowski, offering him nothing but a full-time streaming deal on the platform Kick, including a boat.
As Category 5 Hurricane Milton was approaching with winds of 175 mph, Lieutenant Dan reported live from his sailboat about what was taking place.
When Ross told him, “I’m going to be able to pay for a boat for you. We’re going to get you a nice boat in the range of $50,000 to $100,000, and we’re going to get you a full-time Kick deal,” the moment literally left many in stunned silence. Lieutenant Dan sounded so keyed up and grateful: “This is a game changer for me.”
Lieutenant Dan is an internet sensation, having captured his thrill-seeking life through videos taken from his boat. He found quite a captive audience for his live updates about Hurricane Milton. “The safest place to be is on a boat in a flood,” he said.
The determination to be on his vessel, come what may, has tickled audiences and seen a mix of admiration and concern from the members of the public.
The local authorities did reach out to him for evacuation assistance, but Lieutenant Dan was determined to ride the storm out. He, therefore, became the topic of conversation on social media to prove that the community could support them in such bad weather.
With the new boat and streaming contract, Lieutenant Dan is ready to share his adventures with an even bigger audience. Sharing his seafaring adventures with fans is a dream come true for him. Resilience shows in his spirit and eagerness-a reminder of the power of hope and community during life’s toughest times.
The story of Lieutenant Dan’s getting ready for that new phase of his life has won many fans and motivated many with one story of survival. His story exemplifies resilience: struggles and triumphs, much like the character he got his name from-Lieutenant Dan Taylor-from the popular movie Forrest Gump.
The care for Lieutenant Dan outpoured as a wide, extensive sentiment of care during Hurricane Milton. Sure enough, many were concerned for his safety, but the acts of kindness by Adin Ross, among others, show how people can come together in someone’s time of need. For as it approached, clearly, Lieutenant Dan was not alone; he had a community prepared to stand by his side.
