Hurricane Milton Threatens Florida as Resident Ignores Evacuation Orders

As Hurricane Milton approaches the Florida coastline, authorities have alerted residents to evacuate or risk their lives. Despite these warnings, one resident, Joseph Malinowski, known locally as ‘Joe Sea‘ or ‘Lieutenant Dan‘, has chosen to remain aboard his 20-foot boat in Tampa Bay.

Joe Malinowski, who earned his nickname due to a resemblance to the ‘Lieutenant Dan’ character from the film “Forrest Gump“, insists that his boat is the safest place during flooding. “The safest place to be is on a boat in a flood. We learned that with Noah,” Joe stated while preparing for the storm. Having lost his leg in a car accident at the age of 16, Malinowski says that the hurricane poses no significant worry compared to his past experiences.

Despite appeals from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local police, Joe has rejected the offers of shelter and even a lifejacket, preferring to trust in what he believes is God’s plan. Tampan Terrence, a local resident documenting Joe’s story, initiated a fundraiser that has so far collected over $19,000, yet Joe remains resolute in his decision to stay.

A video circulating online shows a Tampa Police official urging Joe to evacuate, mentioning the availability of multiple shelters as Hurricane Milton threatens catastrophic impact with winds reaching up to 175mph. “God’s got my back,” Joe reiterated, reinforcing his belief that staying aboard his vessel is the right choice.

Hurricane Milton is predicted to be one of the most destructive storms to make landfall in Florida in recent history, prompting the evacuation of millions and temporary closure of schools and businesses. The National Hurricane Center has warned of potential historic destruction, while Florida is still recovering from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene last month.

The situation has been further complicated by political tension, as former President Donald Trump has come under criticism for making unverified claims about federal disaster aid, which Kamala Harris and FEMA deemed misleading. This controversy adds to the challenges faced by emergency responders as they prepare for the storm’s arrival.