A LaBelle man’s trip to the local smoke shop turned into a million-dollar milestone just days before the New Year. Antonio Garcia Avila, 60, claimed a $1 million top prize from the Florida Lottery’s BONUS LETTER CROSSWORD scratch-off game after visiting the Fort Myers District Office on December 29.
Despite the game’s word-puzzle theme, no actual spelling skills were required to secure the windfall—just a lucky $5 ticket. Garcia Avila chose to bypass the annuity option, instead walking away with a one-time, lump-sum payment of $640,000.00.
The winning ticket was sold at Patson Discount Tobacco and Smoke Shop, located at 216 S. Main Street in LaBelle.
READ: ‘Misunderstanding’ Over $50 Lottery Ticket In Lakeland Lands Bartow Woman In Jail
The BONUS LETTER CROSSWORD game is currently circulating with over $76.6 million in total cash prizes, including 10 top prizes of $1 million. With more than 5.4 million winning tickets in the system, the Lottery lists the overall odds of winning any prize at 1-in-4.
In line with Florida Statutes, Chapter 24, the Florida Lottery notes that the names and home cities of winners are public record. While winners have a 90-day privacy window, the details of Garcia Avila’s win are now officially part of the state’s public ledger.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
