Fortune smiled upon Mary Johnetta Mayers Johnson, a woman from Florida, who became a millionaire after winning the grand prize of one million dollars with an instant lottery ticket from the popular game "50X The Cash", marketed by the Florida Lottery.
According to a report by CBS News Miami, Johnson activated the jackpot when the “Winning Number #1” on her ticket matched the hidden winning number. That exact match was what allowed her to claim the highest amount available in that game.
The winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket branch located on SW 36 Avenue, in the city of Pompano Beach, north of Miami, and claimed on January 10 of this year.
The choice of that establishment not only changed Johnson's life, but also benefited the business as it received a $2,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Johnson, who chose to take his prize as a lump sum payment, received 640,000 dollars after the necessary tax adjustments.
Her victory adds to the list of winners, making her the eighth person to achieve this prize in the game “50X The Cash,” which offers various combinations and instant prizes. This particular drawing features tickets priced at five dollars and a payout rate of over 215 million dollars in available prizes.
The Florida Lottery announced that there are still four grand prizes of one million dollars to be claimed in this edition of the game.
The organization promotes this type of games not only as an opportunity to win money but also as a way to raise funds for educational programs in the state.
The story of Mary Johnetta Mayers Johnson has captured the attention of local and international media, not only because of her good fortune, but also due to her strategic choice to receive the full payment immediately, an option that an increasing number of winners prefer for the liquidity it provides.
To receive prizes over $600, winners must appear in person at one of the official offices of the Florida Lottery, as these amounts cannot be claimed at retail locations.
Johnson met this requirement and chose to receive his prize as a one-time cash payment, an option available during the first 60 days following the draw.
That choice, however, is irreversible, and the final amount delivered, in this case, $640,000, is calculated after applying the deductions for federal taxes, in accordance with the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The luck of Johnson contrasts with that of James Farthing, a 50-year-old man hailing from Georgetown, Kentucky, who made headlines in the United States last Saturday by
However, in a dramatic twist of fate, Farthing, after winning his prize, was arrested in St. Pete Beach, Florida, for assaulting a law enforcement officer during a disturbance at a local hotel.
The authorities also reported that Farthing violated the terms of his parole, as he had a criminal record in Kentucky, including robbery, possession of illegal substances, and involvement in organized criminal activities.
The charges against him include assault on a law enforcement officer, simple assault, and resistance without violence.
Until now, it has not been confirmed whether Farthing received the money. According to local media, he had initiated the process to claim his prize in a single payment, which would guarantee him a net sum close to 77 million dollars, but the process may have been suspended following his detention.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Lottery Winners
How much money did Mary Johnetta Mayers Johnson receive after winning a million dollars with the scratch-off?
Mary Johnetta Mayers Johnson received a one-time payment of $640,000, after the appropriate tax adjustments, following her win of one million dollars with a scratch-off lottery ticket from the game "50X The Cash".
Where did Mary Johnetta Mayers Johnson buy her winning lottery ticket in Florida?
Mary Johnetta Mayers Johnson purchased her winning ticket at a branch of the Publix supermarket, located on SW 36 Avenue, in the city of Pompano Beach, north of Miami.
What benefits does a business receive for selling a winning lottery ticket in Florida?
The establishment that sells a winning lottery ticket receives a financial bonus as an incentive. In the case of Mary Johnetta Mayers Johnson's ticket, the Publix supermarket received a bonus of $2,000.
How many major prizes of over one million dollars are left to be claimed in the "50X The Cash" game of the Florida Lottery?
There are still four main prizes of one million dollars to be claimed in the current edition of the "50X The Cash" game from the Florida Lottery.
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