Two tickets sold at Publix supermarkets in Florida emerged as the big winners of Friday night's lottery draws, amassing a combined total of $993,220 in prizes, as reported by El Nuevo Herald.
Jackpot Triumph in Tampa: $875,000 Win with Jackpot Triple Play
The largest prize of the evening was secured by a Quick Pick ticket from the Jackpot Triple Play game, purchased at the Publix located on 2724 Hillsboro Ave., Tampa. The lucky numbers 2, 8, 19, 21, 23, and 46 matched the draw exactly, rewarding the fortunate buyer with $875,000.
Exclusively offered by the Florida Lottery, the Jackpot Triple Play allows players to select six numbers from one to 46 or have them automatically chosen through the Quick Pick option, as was the case here. Starting at $500,000, the jackpot can climb up to $2 million.
Jacksonville's Fantasy 5 Victory: $118,220 Prize
The second winner of the night emerged at the Publix on 6001-45 Argyle Forest Blvd., Jacksonville, where a participant matched all five numbers of the Fantasy 5 evening draw: 5, 9, 21, 22, and 30. This Quick Pick ticket was valued at $118,220.
Fantasy 5, another exclusive Florida game, features two daily draws—one at midday and another in the evening—where players select five numbers from one to 36.
Claiming the Winnings
Both winning tickets must be redeemed at the Florida Lottery's district offices rather than typical retail locations. The Tampa office is situated in Centerpoint Business Park, 1911 U.S. 301 North, and can be reached at 813-744-6134 or via email at TAMRC@flalottery.com. Jacksonville's office is located at 8206 Philips Hwy. and is available at 904-448-4760 or JACRC@flalottery.com. Both offices operate Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. They were closed on Labor Day, so winners will need to wait until Tuesday to start the claiming process. Appointments are not mandatory.
Florida law allows winners of $250,000 or more to keep their identities confidential for 90 days after claiming their prize, which directly applies to the Tampa ticket winner.
Mega Millions Jackpot Unclaimed: $193 Million Up for Grabs
The third major draw on Friday, the Mega Millions, did not yield a jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 6, 26, 34, 59, and 61, with a Mega Ball of 24, but no ticket matched them all. The jackpot has now increased to $193 million for the upcoming Tuesday draw, with a cash option of $82.8 million.
A Winning Streak for Florida's Lottery
These recent wins contribute to an especially successful period for lottery players in Florida. On July 29, a Mega Millions ticket sold at a Wawa in Bradenton won $803 million—the tenth largest in the game's history—ending a streak of 38 draws without a winner.
In late August, four Fantasy 5 tickets sold at Publix and Winn-Dixie in Florida won prizes up to $60,515 each in both the midday and evening draws.
Founded in Florida in 1930, Publix operates nearly 900 stores in the state and has become one of the most frequent lottery ticket retailers, with numerous winners reported throughout the year.
Understanding Florida Lottery Wins and Claims
Where can I claim my Florida Lottery winnings?
Winners must claim their Florida Lottery prizes at the appropriate district offices, not at retail locations where tickets are sold. Each office has specific contact details and operating hours.
Can lottery winners remain anonymous in Florida?
In Florida, winners of $250,000 or more have the option to keep their identities confidential for 90 days following their claim, allowing them privacy during the initial period.
What is the starting jackpot for the Jackpot Triple Play?
The Jackpot Triple Play, a Florida-exclusive game, starts with a jackpot of $500,000 and can grow up to $2 million, depending on rollovers and ticket sales.