A trip to the local grocery store just changed everything for 64-year-old Paula Bixby. The Fort Myers resident officially claimed a $2 million Powerball prize at the Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee this week, turning a ticket bought at the Publix on McGregor Boulevard into a life-altering windfall.
Bixby didn’t opt for a long-term payout; instead, she walked away with a clean, one-time lump sum of $1,195,000 from the drawing held back in mid-September.
While Bixby is the one celebrating today, the Florida Lottery points out that these wins actually help fund more than just individual bank accounts.
READ: Citrus County Man Strikes Gold In Brooksville With $2 Million Florida Lottery Scratch-Off Win
Since Florida joined the Powerball lineup in 2009, the game has poured over $3.34 billion into the state’s education system. Florida has consistently remained one of the most active states for the game, boasting 16 jackpot winners and billions of dollars in total prizes over the years.
For those feeling like lightning might strike twice, the next chance to play is tonight, February 2. The estimated jackpot sits at $65 million, with the live drawing scheduled for 10:59 p.m. ET.
If you’re looking to grab a ticket, you’ll need to beat the 10:00 p.m. cutoff. You can catch the drawing live on the lottery’s website or YouTube channel, or just check the app tomorrow morning to see if you’re Florida’s next big winner.
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