Florida woman choses lump sum payment and receives “only” $695,500 after scratch-off ticket bought in Publix turned into $1 million prize

Jacksonville, Florida – A Jacksonville resident won $1 million from a Florida Lottery scratch-off game, transforming an ordinary shopping trip into a life-changing moment. Kenneth Somers, 65, chose to receive a lump sum payment of $695,500 after winning an enormous amount in the “FLORIDA 300X THE CASH” game, the Florida Lottery said in an announcement.

This lucky turn of events happened when Somers bought the winning ticket from the Publix store, situated in Jacksonville at 12620-12 Beach Boulevard. The particular game that was played, “FLORIDA 300X THE CASH,” has a retail price of $30 and offers a total of over $1 billion in cash rewards. This includes many $15 million top prizes and many additional $1 million rewards.

The retailer where the fortunate buy was made, Publix, gains from this as well. Selling the winning ticket brought in a $2,000 additional commission for the store, demonstrating the beneficial effects lottery games have on neighborhood businesses.

A significant component of the Florida Lottery’s offerings, the “FLORIDA 300X THE CASH” scratch-off accounted for over 74% of lottery ticket sales for the fiscal year 2023–2024. In addition to offering large prize returns, these games make a major contribution to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF). Since their launch, scratch-off games have produced over $2,175 millionaires, over $63.1 billion in prize money, and over $19.24 billion for the EETF.

Read also: Cameras on school buses result in thousands of traffic citations in Miami-Dade County

Since its founding in 1988, the Florida Lottery has grown to be a significant institution that regularly uses its profits to support the state’s economy and educational initiatives. Through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, it has assisted over 983,000 students in attending college and has contributed more than $47 billion to educational projects. The Florida Lottery invests nearly all of its earnings back into the state’s economy, supporting retailer commissions, educational funding, and prize payouts.

Read also: Governor DeSantis declares state of emergency in 41 Florida counties ahead of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine

For more information on winners and games, visit the official Florida Lottery website at www.floridalottery.com. With such impressive contributions to education and local communities, the Florida Lottery continues to be a pillar of support throughout the state.