Florida
Viral Florida Man Known as 'Lietenant Dan' Arrested for Trespassing in Tampa Bay
Joseph Malinowski, the 54-year-old Florida man who made headlines ahead of Hurricane Milton by claiming he would ride out the massive storm on a boat harbored in Tampa Bay — despite evacuation orders — was arrested on Friday, adding to his already substantial rap sheet.
Malinowski was charged with “two outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court, and one charge of trespassing in a city park after warning,” 10 Tampa Bay reporter Aaron Parseghian posted on X (formerly Twitter) Friday afternoon. According to Parseghian, Tampa Bay Police also said that Malinowski “did not have a marine sanitation device aboard his unregistered boat, and did not have a record of proper waste disposal.” He’d failed to leave the dock a day after he had been instructed to relocate, at which point he was taken into custody.
New details regarding his arrest:
Malinowski charged with two outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court, and one charge of trespassing in a city park after warning.
Tampa Police say yesterday they met with Lt. Dan and found he did not have a marine sanitation device… — Aaron Parseghian WTSP (@AaronParseghian) October 18, 2024
Refusing to leave the dock is what made Malinowski famous as two major hurricanes bore down on Florida in late September and early October. Before Helene, Malinowski drew attention thanks to video interviews with Tampa TikTok creator Terrence Concannon in which he prepared to ride out the storm on his small sailboat. Then, as Milton veered directly toward the city, Malinowski went viral in videos where he explained to locals, newscasters, and law enforcement that he wasn’t going anywhere and would refuse any offer of shelter. Predictions of a deadly storm surge had triggered mandatory evacuations in the region, with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warning, “If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re going to die.”
Malinowski’s defiance had some observers disparaging him as a lunatic, while others celebrated him as an underdog hero and survivor they affectionately called “Lieutenant Dan,” after the double-amputee character in Forrest Gump. (Malinowski’s left leg was amputated after a car accident when he was 16, and he uses crutches; Concannon popularized the nickname.) The outpouring of support culminated in a GoFundMe campaign organized by Concannon, supposedly intended to finance a new boat for Malinowski so he could follow his “seafaring dreams.” The fundraiser ended with nearly $45,000 in donations.
Ultimately, Malinowski chose not to weather the torrential winds and rains of another tropical cyclone. After posting updates from his boat on his own TikTok account, he relented and allowed police to take him to a shelter. Mayor Castor on Oct. 9 said the authorities had saved his life, adding: “If we can get Lieutenant Dan to go to a shelter, we can get anybody to do that.”
While Malinowski and his boat separately survived Milton’s aftermath, his lengthy criminal record came up for discussion. In 2023, he had been charged for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office: according to their report, he had argued with a woman sitting on a bench, then set it on fire using gasoline and splashed some of it on her. Other past charges included an attempted breaking and entering, battery against a police officer, and drug possession, as well as “failure to transfer ownership of a vessel within 30 days.” It’s unclear whether he is the legal owner of his now famous boat.
Malinowski had briefly promoted a new social media account on the streaming website Kick, with streamer Adin Ross purportedly enticing him to join the site with the promise of a $100,000 deal. But Malinowski dropped the N-word during his first stream, and Ross instead said he would offer the Kick deal to Concannon, who he said would livestream around the city of Tampa. Malinowski’s use of the slur came as he filmed several rants alleging that Concannon was withholding the money raised in his name with the GoFundMe campaign. The feud seems to have ended any collaboration between the pair.
All in all, an eventful month for Malinowski — and the latest setbacks seem unlikely to dampen his internet fame. Whatever he gets up to after this latest stint in jail, we’re sure to hear about it from the man himself.
Florida
Former Florida guards swap jersey in first NBA meeting
Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard wore the same logo on their chests for two years, but now they’re both looking to make a name for themselves in the NBA. Still, the duo remains part of Florida Gators history, and what do old teammates do when they meet up at the pro level? That’s right, it’s jersey swap time.
Richard and the Golden State Warriors got the better of Clayton and the Utah Jazz, 134-117, but it was all love after the game. The two won a national championship just seven months ago, and they remain the blueprint for transfer success at Florida under Todd Golden.
Although Clayton was the bigger star in college, Richard has gotten off to a hotter start in the NBA. He’s started a few games for the Warriors and put up nine points, six rebounds and two steals in Monday night’s win. Despite coming off the bench, Richard played 29 minutes. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and point guard Steph Curry have praised the former Gator, who’s emerging as one of the biggest steals of the NBA draft (56th overall).
Clayton’s NBA career has started off slower. The 18th overall pick is averaging 5.4 points, 3.2 assists and 2.1 rebounds over 15.9 minutes per game. He spent a game at the G-League level earlier this week, but a 20-point, five-rebound and five-assist outburst got him called back up after a few days.
Although Clayton went scoreless in the head-to-head matchup with his former teammate, he had four assists, one rebound and a block.
This won’t be the last time the two meet on the hardcourt. Gators fans hope to see several matchups between the two, hopefully with both as starters, in the coming years. Getting the jersey swap out of the way early is smart. Who knows how tightly contested those future contests will be?
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Florida
DHS moves to deport ‘criminal illegal alien’ who threw coffee at Florida mom and baby over unleashed dog
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to deport an alleged “criminal illegal alien” from Finland accused of throwing coffee on a baby, mother and the family’s dog during an altercation in Florida.
Nina Kristina Jaaskelainen, who has been in the country illegally since 1999, was hit with an immigration detainer following her arrest in New Smyrna, Fla., earlier this month on battery and domestic violence charges.
Jaaskelainen, 54, allegedly hurled coffee at the mother, infant and their dog after becoming enraged that they had strolled past her property with their pooch off-leash, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
A police affidavit noted the dog, a Dalmatian, was indeed not on a leash but “following closely alongside (the mother and son),” according to News 6 Orlando.
The Finnish national first threw coffee at the dog, which led to an argument during which Jaaskelainen tossed another cup of joe at the mother and her 11-month-old son, police said.
“It was all over my clothes, and all over him,” the victim, Kelly Brisell, told WESH 2 News. “It was over his eyes, nose and temple. Thank God the coffee wasn’t hot.”
Cops observed dried coffee on the mother, child and dog when they arrived at the scene, and Jaaskelainen “confirmed that she had thrown coffee on (the mother’s) dog and denied intentionally throwing coffee on (the mother) and her baby,” according to the affidavit.
Jaaskelainen defended her actions by claiming the unleashed dog was upsetting her own dog, and argued that the family and their pet were on her property.
The enraged homeowner first entered the country on a tourist visa in April 1999.
She was required to leave the US by July 1999, but flouted federal law and opted to remain in the country illegally for the last 26 years.
The detainer ensures that Jaaskelainen is “not released back into American neighborhoods,” according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“For over TWO DECADES, Jaaskelainen has been in our country illegally, skirting the law without consequence,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement Monday. “Now, a baby, a mother, and a dog have been assaulted by her.”
“She is now facing charges for battery and domestic violence,” McLaughlin continued. “ICE lodged an arrest detainer to ensure she can never victimize another American family.
“President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow illegal aliens to terrorize American citizens.”
Florida
Florida’s Funky Bayside Town Offers Scenic, Coastal Recreation And Art Galleries – Explore
Set on the gentle waters of Boca Ciega Bay, the small town of Gulfport delivers a mix of Old Florida charm and bayside leisure. Once a humble fishing village, Gulfport has managed to stay delightfully unpolished even as the larger Tampa Bay metro area expands around it. Take a slow walk along the waterfront pier between Shore Boulevard and Beach Boulevard for sunset views — if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins cutting through the shallows. From the Municipal Marina, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the mangrove-fringed estuary of Clam Bayou Nature Preserve where herons and osprey stir in the salt air.
The Gulfport Beach Park draws a mellow crowd to its calm shores and is still just steps from art galleries, museums, and restaurants. The compact town layout means you can park once and spend the day exploring on foot. Getting to Gulfport is easy, with Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International (PIE) both within a 30-minute drive. Once you arrive, the pace slows to match the tide. To extend your visit in the area, consider continuing on to Safety Harbor, known as the “Jewel of Tampa Bay.”
Art, color, and a touch of quirkiness
If Gulfport has a pulse, it beats strongest along Beach Boulevard, where galleries, vintage shops, and sidewalk cafés radiate local color. The town’s long-standing embrace of the offbeat has made it a haven for artists, writers, and makers who prefer brushstrokes over big-box stores. On the first Friday and third Saturday of every month, the Art Walk transforms the streets into an open-air gallery. Musicians play, artists paint live in The Village Courtyard, and the scent of fresh seafood drifts from waterfront restaurants. Between events, galleries showcase everything from blown glass and hand-stitched textiles to vivid paintings of Gulfport’s own oak-lined streets.
For overnight stays, opt for character over corporate. The Peninsula Inn & Spa, housed in a lovingly restored 1905 building, anchors the town’s lodging scene. You’ll also find cozy cottages and boutique inns that mirror Gulfport’s creative, walkable spirit. Dining is as eclectic as the décor. Expect Venezuelan comfort food, dockside seafood, and small wine bars tucked beneath the oaks. The vibe is unhurried and communal. This is a town for browsing, chatting, and lingering over a second cup of coffee. If you’re looking for more artsy Florida communities to explore, check out mural-filled DeLand, known as the “Athens of Florida.”
The story of Gulfport
Long before it became a bohemian hideaway, Gulfport began as Barnett’s Bluff, settled in 1868 by James and Rebecca Barnett. Over time it cycled through a few identities — Disston City, Bonifacio, Veteran City — before officially becoming Gulfport in 1910. Its enduring symbol, the Gulfport Casino, has been the town’s social anchor for more than a century. The current 1930s-era building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, still hosts dances and community events overlooking the bay.
That independent streak still defines the town. Gulfport’s dining scene skips national chains in favor of small, personality-driven spots. The Pink Winehouse, known for its wines, barbeque, and chill vibes, is a local favorite. Most guesthouses and short-term rentals sit within walking distance of shops, the marina, and the bayfront park, making it easy to experience the town without a car.
Parking is free and plentiful, and the Gulfport Historical Society offers walking tours that uncover the stories behind the cottages, piers, and historic homes. Together, they reveal a town that’s grown with grace: colorful, creative, and confident in its quirks. If you have time during your trip to Gulfport, make the journey to some of these other spectacular beaches around Tampa Bay.
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