As Hurricane Milton swept across Florida in mid-October, bringing torrential rain, high winds, and widespread flooding, one man found himself in the spotlight amidst the chaos. Lt. Dan Holcombe of the Florida National Guard, affectionately known online as “Lieutenant Dan,” quickly went viral for his resilience, humor, and dedication to staying on his small, hazardous sailboat during the height of the storm.
Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm, hammering central and northern Florida. Communities across the state and the southern U.S. faced winds up to 120 mph, intense storm surges, and flooding that impacted thousands, particularly in areas near Jacksonville and Gainesville. Winds of that strength can destroy even the sturdiest homes, uproot trees, and send decks and porches flying. While the storm left many Floridians scrambling to secure their homes, Lt. Dan stood out as a beacon of hope and morale for many in the affected areas.
Holcombe, a Florida native and decorated officer with over 15 years in the National Guard, originally became an unexpected online sensation after a video surfaced of him wading through waist-high floodwaters during a previous storm to attempt a rescue of a stranded family. In the video, Lt. Dan shouts, “Don’t worry, Florida’s got this!” as he battles the powerful currents. The clip quickly spread across social media, especially on TikTok, garnering millions of views and countless supportive comments.
Throughout Hurricane Milton’s aftermath, Lt. Dan—located directly in the storm’s path—gained further popularity as he famously refused evacuation, choosing to ride out the storm alone on his boat. Lt. Dan was fine throughout the hazardous weather, which further cemented him as a local legend. His resilience and optimistic spirit resonated with Floridians and viewers nationwide. Several additional videos showed him delivering supplies to flooded neighborhoods, helping to coordinate evacuations, and bringing humor to a difficult time for many Americans.
By the end of the storm, the #LieutenantDan hashtag had become a symbol of courage and camaraderie. Thousands praised him for his selflessness, while others donated to hurricane relief efforts in his honor. Lt. Dan’s efforts did more than inspire his local community; he became a symbol of hope in a challenging time for Florida and the U.S.
