St. Pete man struggling to care for family wins $1 million on scratch-off ticket
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A 67-year-old man in St. Pete received an early Christmas present: a winning $1 million scratch-off ticket.
The Florida Lottery says Albert Pike claimed a $1 million top prize after buying a $30 ticket for "THE FASTEST ROAD TO $1,000,000" Scratch-Off game.
Pike chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $790,000.
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Before winning, Pike was facing some tough decisions for how best to take care of his family, he told the Florida Lottery.
"When I got home and saw the winning numbers, I couldn't believe it. I knew right then that I wouldn't have to worry about how to pay for the things we need," he said.
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He purchased his winning ticket from Publix at 1075 Pasadena Avenue South in South Pasadena.
The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning scratch-off ticket.