October 2025 proved to be a life-changing month for several Florida residents as a string of high-tier lottery prizes were claimed across the state. From the Gulf Coast to Miami, lucky players turned routine stops at grocery stores and gas stations into seven-figure paydays.
Big Wins in Fort Myers and Naples
The Fort Myers District Office was a hub of activity this month. Jose Nodarse, 60, of Naples, kicked off the winning streak on October 10. He claimed a $2 million top prize from the ULTIMATE VIP CA$HWORD scratch-off game. Nodarse opted for a lump-sum payout of $1,195,000. His winning $10 ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven on Immokalee Road in Naples.
Later in the month, 67-year-old Jan Jones of Fort Myers secured a $1 million prize from the $25,000,000 GOLD RUSH MULTIPLIER scratch-off. Jones chose a one-time payment of $638,100 after buying the winning ticket at a Publix on Gladiolus Drive.
Powerball Success and Education Impact
It wasn’t just scratch-offs making headlines. Paula Bixby, 64, of Fort Myers, claimed a massive $2 million Powerball prize from a September drawing. She collected her winnings at the Tallahassee headquarters on October 9, taking the full $2,000,000 as a lump sum. Her lucky ticket was sold at the Publix on McGregor Boulevard.
READ: Feeling Lucky? Florida Lottery Rolls Out 4 New Scratch-Offs With $281 Million Up For Grabs
Since joining Powerball in 2009, Florida has become one of the game’s top-selling states. The game has funneled more than $3.34 billion into Florida’s education system, supporting initiatives like the Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
Miami Joins the Winner’s Circle
The eastern side of the state also saw a major win. Ricardo Martinez of Miami Springs visited the Miami District Office on October 29 to claim his own $2 million top prize from the ULTIMATE VIP CA$HWORD game. Like Nodarse, Martinez chose the lump-sum payment of $1,195,000. He purchased his ticket at Mr. Baker on West Flagler Street.
October 2025 Winner Summary
| Winner | City | Prize Amount | Game | Retailer |
| Jose Nodarse | Naples | $2,000,000 | ULTIMATE VIP CA$HWORD | 7-Eleven |
| Paula Bixby | Fort Myers | $2,000,000 | POWERBALL | Publix |
| Ricardo Martinez | Miami Springs | $2,000,000 | ULTIMATE VIP CA$HWORD | Mr. Baker |
| Jan Jones | Fort Myers | $1,000,000 | GOLD RUSH MULTIPLIER | Publix |
A Legacy of Giving Back
While these individuals are celebrating their new millionaire status, the Florida Lottery continues its mission of reinvesting in the state. Since 1988, the Lottery has:
- Contributed over $49 billion to enhance public education.
- Sent more than one million students to college via scholarships.
- Paid out over $104.8 billion in total prizes.
- Created more than 4,475 millionaires.
Under Florida law, the names and cities of these winners become public record 90 days after their claim. For those looking to join the list, the next Powerball drawing is scheduled for tonight, February 2, 2026, with an estimated jackpot of $65 million.
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