Wouldn’t it be nice to win the lottery before your first bundle of joy arrives? For one lucky Jacksonville, Florida couple, that dream became a reality when they scored a $1 million lottery prize just weeks before their first child was born.
The fortuitous event unfolded when John Stanhill, 46, purchased a $50 500X THE CASH ticket from the Duval Exxon gas station located at 1403 Third Street North in Jacksonville Beach. The couple claimed their life-changing prize on June 11 at the Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. The timing could not have been more impeccable, as the large win arrived just three weeks before the couple welcomed their bouncing baby boy.
“This just couldn’t have happened at a better time!” Stanhill exclaimed to lottery officials during the prize claim process. Joining him was his partner, Victoria Oakley, and their family dog, Maya. Opting for the one-time payment option, the family received a lump sum of $640,000. The Duval Exxon gas station also celebrated a windfall, receiving a $2,000 bonus for selling the lucky ticket.
The joyous news didn’t stop at the lottery headquarters. Just three weeks after their monumental win, Oakley gave birth to a healthy baby boy. “We won the lottery – and then we won the lottery again with our beautiful, healthy baby boy!” Oakley shared with lottery officials. “All in three weeks’ time!”
Florida Lottery officials reached out to the couple, who still seemed to be riding high from the sequence of fortunate events. “Our lottery win has been such a huge relief for us. We’ve been able to fully focus on being new parents by putting our financial worries at ease,” they expressed.
The million-dollar prize has not only alleviated financial concerns but has also provided the couple with newfound freedom and security for their growing family. “We were able to start a college fund for our baby and plan on paying off student loans,” they said, highlighting the practical decisions they were making with their winnings.
Reflecting on the sequence of remarkable events, the couple conveyed their gratitude and astonishment. “We are over the moon with everything that’s happened!” they jubilantly stated.
. The overall odds of winning in the 500X THE CASH game stand at 1 in 4.23, according to the Florida Lottery. For the top prize of $25 million, the odds are even more formidable, at 1 in 21,920,355.
For aspiring lottery winners, tickets can be purchased in person at various locations including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also offer lottery tickets. Additionally, the advent of digital platforms has made lottery participation more accessible. One such service, Jackpocket, serves as the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY Network. Jackpocket allows lottery enthusiasts to order tickets online in several U.S. states and territories including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The app enables users to choose their game and numbers, place orders, and see their tickets and winnings all via their smartphone or home computer.
Gannett, the publisher of USA TODAY, may generate revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. However, users must be aware of their state’s legal age requirements to participate: 18+ for most states, 21+ in Arizona, and 19+ in Nebraska. The service is not affiliated with any state lottery, and those with gambling problems are encouraged to seek help by calling various hotline numbers provided in their respective states.
As for the Jacksonville couple, the lottery win couldn’t have arrived at a more serendipitous time, offering them not just immediate financial relief but the promise of a brighter, stable future for their newborn son. With their financial house now in order, they can dedicate all their attention and love to their newest family member, truly embodying the sentiment of hitting the jackpot twice in one month.
