A winning lottery ticket for part of a jackpot worth nearly half a billion dollars has been sold in a Florida city that was devastated by Hurricane Ian.
It is one of two tickets that can lay claim to the prize money, the other having been sold in California.
The winner could end up with a cash jackpot of an amazing USD 125 million.
The Florida Lottery said in a statement: “Today, the Florida Lottery (Lottery) is excited to announce that one of two MEGA MILLIONS jackpot winning tickets from Friday night’s drawing was purchased in Florida!
“The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased at 7-Eleven, located at 2980 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.”
Fort Myers was one of the areas that were left in ruins by Hurricane Ian, which left dozens dead.
Images of the shocking scale of the devastation made headlines around the world.
The Florida Lottery added: “The October 14, 2022 MEGA MILLIONS winning numbers were 09 – 22 – 26 – 41 – 44 and the Mega Ball was 19.
“One Florida ticket matched all five numbers and the Mega Ball from Friday night’s drawing to claim a share of the USD 494 million MEGA MILLIONS jackpot. The retailer will receive a USD 100,000 bonus commission for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.
“In addition to the Florida jackpot winning ticket, another jackpot winning ticket was sold in California. Florida MEGA MILLIONS jackpot winners have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.”
The Florida Lottery said that the one-time cash payout would amount to nearly USD 125 million per ticket, saying: “However, to elect the one-time, lump-sum cash payment option (in the amount of USD 123.95 million) the claim must be filed within 60 days after the winning draw date.”
The two winners, once they have come forward, will therefore split the jackpot between them.
