Influencers risking death in hurricanes for clicks and cash

As Hurricane Milton approached Florida, many residents were urged to evacuate for their safety. However, one individual, Mike Smalls Jr, chose to defy the evacuation orders and ventured into the stormy weather in Tampa. Armed with a blow-up mattress, an umbrella, and a pack of ramen noodles, Mike began live streaming his experience on the platform Kick. He told his viewers that if he could reach 10,000 views, he would jump into the water with his mattress. Once he hit that milestone, he took the plunge but quickly realized the danger he was in, as the winds intensified and he struggled to stay afloat. 'The wind started picking up and I don’t know how to swim…so I had to grab on to the tree,' he admitted. This reckless act drew significant criticism on social media, with many people expressing concern for his safety and the potential consequences of his actions. Despite the backlash, Mike stated he would consider doing it again 'if the price is right. ' He acknowledged that his actions were 'controversial' and recognized that some might view him as a danger not only to himself but also to those who might have to rescue him. He explained, 'From a content creator standpoint, people like to see kind of edgy things. ' The Tampa Police Department issued a statement emphasizing the risks associated with ignoring mandatory evacuation orders. They warned that such actions not only endanger the individual but also complicate the efforts of first responders who are working diligently to save lives. 'Intentionally placing oneself in harm's way could divert critical resources and delay vital rescue operations for others,' they stated. This hurricane season has been particularly deadly, with Hurricane Milton being classified as a category 5 storm at its peak. The storm has already claimed at least 16 lives, left millions without power, and forced thousands to be rescued as floodwaters engulfed homes. The southeastern coast of the United States has faced a series of hurricanes this year, with five storms forming in less than two weeks, a rate that is nearly equivalent to what is typically seen in an entire year. Mike Smalls Jr is not alone in his risky endeavors; he is part of a growing trend of content creators who livestream their dangerous stunts during hurricanes on platforms like Kick and TikTok. For Mike, live streaming is his full-time job, and he has a history of performing reckless acts for views, including setting off fireworks indoors and pranking fast-food employees. His plan for Hurricane Milton was to capture exciting footage and, if necessary, make a quick escape back home. This was not his first encounter with danger; he previously livestreamed during Hurricane Helene, where he spent over five hours in the storm, holding up a tent in an underpass and claiming he was 'going to survive the hurricane. Why? To entertain the people. ' With the ocean crashing nearby, Mike's commitment to entertaining his audience was evident. He stated, 'It's my job just to entertain and think of creative things to entertain my chat. And if people want to, you know, if they're inspired by what I do, I respect it. ' Platforms like Kick incentivize streamers by offering monetary rewards based on viewership and donations from fans. While Mike did not disclose his earnings from the Hurricane Milton livestream, he mentioned that some streamers can make between $300 to $400 per hour, and he earned enough to cover a few bills. Despite the apparent recklessness of his actions, Mike insists that he takes safety seriously. He claims to assess the risks before embarking on such stunts and expressed relief after surviving the storm, stating, 'I stayed here, and I didn’t die and I’m chilling. ' When questioned about the responsibility of Kick regarding his actions, the platform stated that they prioritize creator freedom and do not influence the content their creators choose to stream. However, they can impose bans or suspensions if content violates their Terms of Service. They did not provide a response when asked if Mike's actions breached their community guidelines, which emphasize the importance of safety. TikTok also highlighted their monetization guidelines, which prohibit content that exploits controversial issues or manipulates others. Despite the concerns raised, Mike's hurricane content remains accessible online. When asked about the potential risks to emergency workers, Mike acknowledged his awareness of the situation, stating, 'Don’t save me. ' He expressed a clear understanding of the risks involved in his actions and reiterated that he does not want to endanger anyone else's life.