As millions evacuated Florida in preparation for Hurricane Milton, influencer Mike Smalls Jr. made a shocking decision to venture outside into the storm. Armed with a blow-up mattress, an umbrella, and ramen noodles, Smalls livestreamed from Tampa on Wednesday evening, daring his viewers to help him achieve 10,000 views for a risky stunt.
Upon hitting his target, Smalls actually launched himself and his mattress into the turbulent waters. Panic set in as he realized he couldn’t swim and had to cling to a nearby tree for safety.
This area was under a mandatory evacuation order, with local officials urging residents to leave for their own protection.
The streamer’s hour-long broadcast has garnered over 60,000 views, with millions more views across various platforms after being shared widely.
Livestreaming is becoming a lucrative avenue for content creators seeking quick financial gains, but it often involves perilous stunts as influencers strive to stand out in a competitive market.
Smalls has faced significant backlash on social media, with many criticizing him for risking his life for views. Nevertheless, he stated he would engage in similar activities again “if the price is right.”
When confronted about the criticisms, Smalls conceded that his actions were “controversial,” admitting to the potential dangers not only to himself but also to the emergency responders who might have to assist him. He defended his view, saying, “From a content creator standpoint, people like to see kind of edgy things.”
The Tampa Police Department issued a warning about the dangers of ignoring evacuation orders, emphasizing that such actions endanger lives and complicate rescue operations.
This hurricane season has been deadly, with hundreds of fatalities reported as Hurricane Milton, which peaked as a category 5 storm, made landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast. At least 16 lives have been lost, millions remain without power, and heroic first responders have conducted thousands of rescues as floodwaters surged.
This year’s hurricane season has seen an unprecedented five hurricanes develop in just two weeks, a rate nearly matching the annual average for the Atlantic region.
Smalls is among several influencers who have been livestreaming reckless stunts during hurricanes to earn money online. Livestreaming has become his full-time job.
Previous exploits include launching fireworks indoors and pranking fast-food employees. His strategy for Hurricane Milton involved capturing thrilling footage while also having an escape plan if conditions worsened.
Just weeks before, he streamed himself in Hurricane Helene with a tent, asserting, “I’m going to survive the hurricane. Why? To entertain the people,” while strong ocean waves crashed nearby.
Despite being aware of safety protocols, Smalls insists he evaluates risks carefully. “It’s my job just to entertain and think of creative things to keep my audience engaged,” he stated.
Livestreaming platforms often provide financial incentives, with some streamers reportedly earning $300 to $400 per hour, although Smalls did not disclose his earnings from this specific broadcast.
Though actions might appear reckless, Smalls claims he prioritizes safety and has properly assessed the hazards of his stunts.
In the aftermath of the storm, he remarked, “I stayed here, and I didn’t die, so I’m chilling.”
When asked about the platform’s responsibility regarding potentially dangerous content, the company claimed to support creators while maintaining policies against illegal activities and breaches of service.
Despite the controversy, Smalls’ content remains accessible, and he clarified his awareness of the risks: “If I do another hurricane livestream, don’t save me,” he added, stating that he doesn’t want to endanger first responders.
