Sarasota Man Wins A Million In The Florida Lottery

Lottery players were buzzing this week when the Mega Millions jackpot reached a staggering $800 million. The winning ticket was sold in Texas, however, someone in Florida won $1,000,000. And there's more good news for Floridians this week. A Sarasota man wins a million in the Florida Lottery too.

According to the Florida Lottery, the winning ticket was in the JACKPOT TRIPLE PLAY™. You win by matching three or more numbers from the same set to the winning numbers drawn.  

The winner and new millionaire is 68-year-old John Long. His winning ticket actually dates back to the October 24th drawing last year (2023). Every lottery ticket has an expiration date on it. So if you win big, be sure to check how long you have to claim the money.

When the jackpot is big money, many people take time to get financial affairs in order before coming forward.

The jackpot Long won was actually $1.75 million. He decided to take a one-time, lump-sum payout of $1,006,498.50. I would probably have done the same.

He's not the only one who gets paid. The retailer received a $1,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket. If you want to take a chance and buy from the same place, it was Dearborn Corner Market, in Englewood.

Long's ticket was a quick pick. The Jackpot Triple Play jackpots start at $250,000 and can roll over to reach $2 million. Good luck this week.

*Play responsibly.

You might be excited that football season is finally in full force. But there are also lots of things going on if your team is not in action, or football is not your thing. Check out these 5 Southwest Florida events to join this weekend.

The entire region is getting ready to mark the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. Fort Myers Beach was one of the hardest hit spots in the state. Only a handful of hotels have reopened. It's been slow going for many restaurants and businesses to find their footing as well.

One weekend event hopes to help that. It's Revive The Vibe Fest. The second annual event is meant to bring people together and support beach businesses. Not to mention entertain you.

Fort Myers Beach is ready to host visitors this weekend for the Revive The Vibe Fest.

Sizzle Dining continues with restaurants from Marco Island to Sanibel and everywhere in between offering amazing pre-fix dining deals. Click here for a preview of the lunch menu at Bicyclette Cookshop in Naples. They also have a special chef demonstration next week. Check Sizzle Dining's website for details.

If you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Finally, here are your Weekend Vibes for September 13th through September 15th. Have fun at these 5 Southwest Florida events.

*Please note, events are subject to change. Especially considering the weather. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a quick check of social media and event websites.

This is the second annual festival on Fort Myers Beach. It is intended to support local businesses and musicians while bringing people together following the destruction of Hurricane Ian two years ago. There will be two stages for music and also theater performances. Also enjoy games, food trucks, vendors and more. The fun is at Bayside Park, on the corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street Saturday, 11am to 10pm. Free. More info here.

Art is Essential is an ongoing campaign by Lee County Alliance for the Arts to raise money after having their budget slashed by Florida Governor Ron Desantis. Plan to attend the outdoor concert with Tampa blues singer and guitarist Damon Fowler. There will be food trucks on site as well. Saturday, 7pm at the Alliance on McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers. Tickets start at $20. More info here.

If you love butterflies make plans to visit the Peace River Botanical And Sculpture Gardens Saturday. There will be tours, demos and vendors. Also enjoy food, yard games, butterfly releases, a bounce house  and activities for the kids. 9am-noon. $20 general admission, 17 and under FREE. More info here.

This is a great way to try new restaurants as well as enjoy a new experience in some of your faves. Participating places offer a series of pre-fix dining options for three, four and five course meals. Lunches are $19 and $29. Dinner are $29, $39, and $49. Some also have a $59 option. For every meal sold $1 is donated to Blessings in a Backpack to help feed food insecure children. You get to eat and feed others at the same time. Bonus. It runs through the 25th. More info here.