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Miami Woman Claims $169,111 Mega Money Jackpot

NR 09-28-00 ... On Wednesday, Sep 27, a woman from Miami claimed the $169,811 Mega Money top prize from the Sep 22 drawing at the Lottery’s district office in Miami. Claudia Navarro, who works for a local school system, said, "I stopped at this store to do some quick shopping, and on my way out - I don't know why - but I bought one Mega Money ticket. Two days after the drawing, I checked my ticket at another location and I was told I was the winner. I was shocked and could not believe it!"

Claudia purchased her winning ticket at the 99 Cents & Up store, located at 4680 NW 183rd St. in Carol City, and used a Quick Pick option to choose her lucky numbers. "I immediately called my husband with the news, which, of course, he did not immediately believe either," the winner stated. "When I got home, though, it was time to celebrate!" Claudia said she has no immediate plans for her winnings, except for making future investments.

Brandon Player Wins $250,000 Grand Prize In Mega Money "Play For The Dough" Promotion

NR 09-28-00 ... A lucky Florida Lottery player from Brandon has won the $250,000 grand prize in Mega Money’s “Play for the Dough" promotion. Elwyn Tompkins (67), a retiree who lives with his wife Nancy, won the contest's grand prize after his entry was drawn at random from more than one million coupons received at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.

"This is just a marvelous thing!" said Elwyn. "Some days are going to be lucky days for you, and today was one of those lucky days for me." In five previous drawings pertaining to this Mega Money promotion - which were held between July and September 2000 - 50 other players had won computer prize packages. Each prize package included an IBM Aptiva personal computer, free Internet access from NetZero, plus $1,000 in cash which may have been used to open an Internet on-line investment account.

During the contest, all players who purchased Mega Money tickets worth $5.00 or more in a single transaction, received bonus coupons that could be mailed to Lottery Headquarters for participation. Then, in a series of five different drawings, a total of 50 coupons were drawn at random. Elwyn stated that he plans to use some of his winnings for retirement, investments, and maybe to buy a new motor home. "My wife and I travel to gospel sings in our motor home, so we'll probably do more of that now."

Elwyn purchased his winning ticket at Lithia Texaco, located at 1005 Lithia Pinecrest Road in Brandon, and used a Quick Pick option to choose his lucky numbers. He submitted two entries for the grand-prize drawing. "I've been playing Mega Money since the game started last year," Elwyn expressed. "The most I ever won before this was $4,700 playing Lotto about eight years ago."

Orlando Great-Grandmother Claims $5 Million Lotto Jackpot

NR 09-27-00 ... On Tuesday, Sep 26, a great-grandmother from Orlando claimed the estimated $5 million Lotto jackpot from the Sep 16 drawing at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. Isolina D'Vazquez (78), a homemaker with three adult children, 20 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, opted to collect her prize in form of a single cash payment of $2,376,264, rather than receiving 30 annual installments of about $166,666 each.

"When my husband told me we won the Lotto, all I said to him was 'Oh, that's good.' I was very calm at the time," said Isolina, who traveled to the state’s capital with her husband José (83) to collect the award. "I just sat there and told him I wanted to finish my rosary when he told me. After that, we started calling some of our relatives to tell them we had won."

Isolina bought her winning ticket at a Winn Dixie supermarket, located at 695 S. Semoran Blvd. in Orlando, and used the Quick Pick option to choose her lucky numbers. "I saw the numbers during the drawing on TV that night and then checked my tickets," said José, a retired government worker who is originally from Puerto Rico. "When I realized we had all six winning numbers, I knew it was my wife's lucky day to win!"

Isolina and José plan to use some of their newfound wealth for family needs, perhaps a future vacation and a new home. "I play Lotto almost every Wednesday and Saturday," stated José, who has lived in Orlando for about 12 years. "I also like to play other Lottery games like Fantasy 5 and Mega Money. I won $700 once from the Mega Money game." Isolina and José are the 25th Florida Lotto winners to either reside or purchase a jackpot winning ticket in Orange County. They also became the 630th winners of more than $1 million since the game began in 1988.

Clearwater Woman Claims $339,105 Mega Money Jackpot

NR 09-21-00 ... On Thursday, Sep 21, a woman from Clearwater claimed the $339,105 Mega Money top prize from the Sep 19 drawing at the Lottery’s District Office in St. Petersburg. Kaye Waldrop (48), a self-employed skin care sales person, said, "I went back to the store today where I bought my ticket to check my numbers. When I found out how much I had won, all I could say was 'Oh my gosh' several times out loud. The clerk at the store got so excited, she just stood there and was speechless."

Kaye purchased her winning ticket at Wilson's Liquors #4, located at 1941 West Bay Drive in Largo, and used a Quick Pick option to choose her lucky numbers. She revealed, "I won $5,300 from playing Florida Lotto several years ago, but this Mega Money prize is huge! I've been playing these games for years and I think the Lottery is terrific. I love it!" Kaye also said that she plans to use some of her winnings to make future investments and maybe buy a new boat. "I play Mega Money and Lotto twice a week using some of my personal numbers and some Quick Picks," she added. "I'm going to keep playing until I win the big one!"

Mega Money "Play for the Dough" game registers Final group of 10 winners

NR 09-20-00 ... On Monday, Sep 18, a fifth and final group of 10 lucky Mega Money “Play for the Dough" winners were determined in Tallahassee. Each player won a new IBM Aptiva personal computer, free Internet access from NetZero, and $1,000 in cash which may be used to open an Internet on-line investment account. The players had bought Mega Money tickets worth $5.00 or more in a single transaction, and thereby received a “Play for the Dough” coupon which they subsequently mailed to Lottery Headquarters. On Monday, ten coupons were randomly drawn for the computer, Internet access and cash prizes. All coupon entries are also eligible for the promotion's $250,000 grand prize drawing on Sep 21.

The winners are: Alvin Brown (Ft. Lauderdale), Iris Nemer (Hollywood), Ron Duckworth (Winter Park), Eugene Harrison (Hallandale), Frank Triana (Pembroke Pines), Christopher Yearwood (Miami), Viola Espute (Orlando), Sherry Watkins (Okeechobee), Elizabeth BuBush (Clearwater) and Robert Moody (Callahan).

"I don't have a computer now, but I'm looking forward to learning how to use one after winning this prize," said winner Elizabeth BuBush (75), a retired caterer now living in Clearwater. "I've been playing Mega Money since the game started. I sent in three entries for this contest and it was nice to hear that I won something." Winner Ron Duckworth (39) of Winter Park, who owns Custom Carpentry by Ron in Orlando, said he definitely needed a new computer for his kids at home. "This means we don't have to buy a new computer at Christmas after winning this one. I'm very happy that I won. The computer we have now is very old and very slow."

Winner Iris Nemer (51) of Hollywood stated that she will use her computer for her college classes when she returns to finish her B.S. degree. "I'm a nurse now, but I can use a new computer for my classes that I'll be taking to finish my degree. The one I have now is a very old and slow computer, so this new IBM will really help!" During the Mega Money “Play for the Dough" contest, 50 winners won IBM Aptiva computers with free NetZero Internet service, as well as $1,000 in cash for opening an on-line investment account for personal use. All winners and entries are also eligible for the grand prize drawing of $250,000 to be held on Thursday, Sep 21.

West Palm Beach man Claims $116,118 Fantasy 5 Jackpot

NR 09-20-00 ... On Monday, Sep 18, the sole jackpot winner of the previous day’s Fantasy 5 draw went to claim his prize at the Lottery’s office in West Palm Beach. But when Anthony “Tony” Podulka (42) approached the Lottery offices, he had no idea that he was the only jackpot winner for the Sep 17 drawing. He also didn't realize that his ticket was worth $116,118, since the average jackpot payout for Fantasy 5 winners is around $19,500. But in a rare occurrence – only for the fifth time in Fan5 history – just one ticket matched all five winning numbers on Sunday, Sep 17. That ticket belonged to Tony, who is a manager for Images of Green, a St. Lucie County horticultural services business.

"I went to the Lottery's office in West Palm Beach thinking I was one of several winners after I looked up the numbers for another drawing in the newspaper," Tony explained. "When she told me I was the only one who had all five numbers for that day, I was speechless and my knees got weak. I still can't believe it today." Tony purchased five Fan5 tickets for the Sep 17 drawing at Inlet Lounge and Liquors #3, located at 2895-B North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. He used the Quick Pick option for four of the tickets and his personal numbers for the fifth. It was one of the Quick Pick tickets which held the winning numbers.

Tony stated that he plans to use some of his winnings to buy a new home closer to where he works in Stuart. "This will definitely push up our house-buying plans a lot sooner than expected." Tony’s award is the 8th highest individual payout in Fantasy 5 history. Two other top prizes exceeding $100,000 have been awarded this year alone, one on Jan 1 in the amount of $142,574 and one on Jan 22 in the amount of $173,903. For a full disclosure of maximum and minimum payouts + winners, please go here.

Brevard Woman Claims $8 Million Lotto Jackpot

NR 09-19-00 ... On Monday, Sep 18, a woman from Brevard County claimed the $8 million Lotto jackpot from the Sep 13 drawing at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. Higher than expected ticket sales had actually increased the jackpot to $8 million. Loretta St. George (69) arrived at the state’s capital in a white stretch limousine and opted to collect her prize in form of a single cash payment of $3,998,526, rather than receiving 30 annual installments of about $266,666 each. Loretta, a retired garment stitcher from Massachusetts, said, "When my husband Wilfred came into our bedroom after reading the Lotto numbers in the newspaper early the next morning, I told him not to wake me up because I thought he was going to tell me we only matched four numbers. When he showed me we had won, I just kept looking at the ticket. It was so exciting."

Loretta stated that she originally bought a Lotto ticket on the Tuesday (Sep 12) before the drawing, but that she then sent her husband back the next day to buy two more, because they usually get $3 worth per drawing. She purchased her winning ticket at a Winn Dixie, located at 7960 U.S. Highway 1 in Micco, and used the Quick Pick option to choose her lucky numbers.

"We've played for 30 years when we lived in Massachusetts and then eight years since we retired in Florida. This is the first time we won the jackpot!" said Wilfred (72). "We plan to use some of our winnings to buy a new home, a new car, share with our children, and for a family reunion next year." The St. Georges have three grown children, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Loretta revealed that when she went to her bank to make financial arrangements for her newfound wealth, the bank offered to fly the winners to Tallahassee to make their claim. But she declined the offer. "I told them no, I didn't want to fly up. So they arranged for a white stretch limo to take us up here. We left this morning so one of our sons-in-law, Bill Moruzzi, could accompany us."

Loretta further expressed, "I started calling my children to tell them I had won the Lotto, but they didn't believe me at first. Now they know it's really true. Now we can afford to have a family reunion up in Massachusetts so all my children and grandkids can come." Loretta and Wilfred St. George are the 22nd Florida Lotto winners to either reside or purchase a jackpot winning ticket in Brevard County, and the second winners in two years who live in Barefoot Bay. They also became the 629th winners of more than $1 million since the game began in 1988.

Sep 12 Mega Money Jackpot Winners Claim Prizes In South Florida

NR 09-16-00 ... On Sep 14, two Mega Money jackpot winners who split the $166,258 top prize from the Sep 12 drawing, claimed their respective awards in South Florida. Jordan Braswell (32), a law student from Coral Gables, claimed his $83,129 share at the Florida Lottery's District Office in Miami. Jordan, who had just celebrated his birthday two weeks ago, stated, "Winning Mega Money was certainly icing on the cake for my birthday! I plan to use my winnings to pay bills, help family members and maybe buy a new car." Jordan bought his winning ticket at a 7-Eleven store, located at 3960 SW 8th St. in Coral Gables, and used a Quick Pick option to choose his lucky numbers. He said that he found out he’d won while driving home from work in his car. "I started shouting to myself 'I won, I won!' after I pulled to the side of the road. I then drove to the gym to tell my younger brother. It was uncontrolled excitement at that point."

The other Mega Money jackpot winner of the Sep 12 drawing, Ms. I. N. Lee, stated that she used her personal numbers to pick the winning combination. Ms. Lee purchased her winning ticket at the Fiesta Food Mart, located at 1229 West Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

Sep 8 Mega Money Jackpot Winners Claim Prizes In South Florida

NR 09-12-00 ... On Monday, Sep 11, two Mega Money jackpot winners who split the $358,536 top prize from the Sep 8 drawing, claimed their respective awards in South Florida. Ronald Gaines (55) of Miami, On Sep 11, two Mega Money jackpot winners who split the $358,536 top prize from the Sep 8 drawing, claimed their respective awards in South Florida. Ronald Gaines (55) of Miami, claimed his $179,268 share at the Florida Lottery's District Office in Miami, while James Cousins (72) of Margate claimed his $179,268 share at the District Office in Fort Lauderdale.

Ronald, a general contractor, said he plans to use his winnings to "pay off my mortgage, use for personal needs and future investments." Ronald had bought his winning ticket at King Liquors, located at 10700 SW 113th Place in Miami, and used a Quick Pick option to choose his lucky numbers. "This is the first time I've won playing a Lottery On-line game!" he stated. "I checked my numbers after I played golf Saturday morning and I was stunned when I realized I won." Ronald revealed that he tried to call his wife on her cell phone to tell her the good news, but that he couldn't get through. So he went straight home to tell her in person. "I told her I had a surprise for her," he said. "I opened up the newspaper to show her the winning numbers and then showed her my ticket. It was a joyful moment!"

James Cousins, who is retired, disclosed that he plans to use his winnings to pay bills and buy a new car. James had purchased his winning ticket at Dunkin' Donuts, located at 1456 N. State Road 7 in Margate, and used his personal numbers to pick the winning combination.

Miami Woman Claims $23 Million Lotto Jackpot

NR 09-08-00 ... On Thursday, Sep 7, a woman from Miami claimed the $23 million Lotto jackpot from the Sep 6 drawing at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. Lydia Santana (48) said she drove all morning yesterday to reach the state capital. She opted to collect her prize in form of a single cash payment of $11,758,222, instead of receiving 30 annual installments of about $766,000 each. Approximately 80% of Lotto jackpot winners prefer the cash option amount. Lydia declined to make any public comments regarding her claim, except to say that she chose her personal numbers for the winning ticket. The ticket was bought at Publix Supermarket, located at 15750 SW 72nd St. in Miami. Lydia is the 122nd Florida Lotto winner to either reside or purchase a jackpot winning ticket in Miami-Dade County. She also became the 628th winner of more than $1 million since the game began in 1988.

Mega Money "Play for the Dough" game registers Fourth group of 10 winners

NR 09-08-00 ... On Friday, Sep 1, a fourth group of ten lucky Mega Money "Play for the Dough" winners were determined in Tallahassee. Each player won a new IBM Aptiva personal computer, free Internet access from NetZero, and $1,000 in cash which may be used to open an Internet on-line investment account. The players had bought Mega Money tickets worth $5.00 or more in a single transaction, and thereby received a “Play for the Dough” coupon which they subsequently mailed to Lottery Headquarters. On Friday, ten coupons were randomly drawn for the computer, Internet access and cash prizes. All coupon entries are also eligible for the promotion's $250,000 grand prize drawing on September 21.

The winners are: Carmine Maietta (Port Charlotte), John Quirk (Leesburg), Mike Nathanson (Lake Worth), Clay Pruett (Sun City Center), Helen Delern (Ft. Lauderdale), Bob Zissette (Leesburg), Shaffie Long (Orlando), Aaron Cobb, Jr. (Miramar), Fernando Tobar (Key West) and Denna Richardson (Tampa).

Winner Bob Zissette (87), a retiree from the City of Ft. Lauderdale, said, "I'll have a big time with this new computer. I don't have a computer at home now, so this will give my wife and I something to do. I'm really excited and thrilled about this!" Winner Shaffie Long, who works at Orlando International Airport, expressed that she didn't believe she had really won the IBM computer when a Lottery official approached her with the good news. "I was so surprised I won because I only mailed in one Mega Money entry,” she said. “I can use this computer for my job and at home." Winner Mike Nathanson (57) of Lake Worth, who owns Nathanson Chiropractic Clinic, stated, "This just proves the good spirit provides in need. I don't have a computer at my home, so I will use it there. My luck just turned around when I got this phone call. I got so thrilled at the news!"

One more drawing will determine the final 10 winners of Mega Money’s “Play For The Dough” promotion. This drawing is scheduled for Monday, September 18. All new entries received at Lottery Headquarters through Friday, September 15 at 5:00 pm will be eligible for that drawing.

Hialeah Man Claims $183,929 Mega Money Prize For September 1 Drawing

NR 09-06-00 ... On Sep 5, a man from Hialeah claimed half the $367,858 Mega Money top prize from the Friday, Sep 1 drawing. Ramón Vazques (65), a semi-retired construction worker, claimed his $183,929 Mega Money jackpot at the Florida Lottery’s District Office in Miami. Ramón said he plans to use his award for savings and to make future investments. "This is the most I've ever won playing Lottery games!" he stated. "I've won playing other Florida Lottery games before. When the person at the store [where he bought his ticket] told me I had the winning numbers, I really didn't get that excited." Ramón had bought his winning ticket at the Chevron / Rece Auto Center, located at 795 East 49th St. in Hialeah, and used the Quick Pick option to pick his lucky numbers. The other winning ticket from the Sep 1 drawing, also sold in Hialeah, has not been claimed yet.