PSL man claims $23.2 million in FL Lotto

Sunday, May 28, 2006 posted 02:40 AM EDT

PORT ST. LUCIE — Local resident William Anderson, 54, on Friday submitted the second and final winning ticket in last month's $82 million Florida Lotto drawing.

Anderson bought the ticket for the April 19 drawing at a Cumberland Farms store in a small plaza across from Floresta Elementary School on Floresta Drive.

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Lottery spokeswoman Leslie Steele said Anderson, who chose a one-time lump sum payment of $23.2 million, declined to give lottery officials detailed information for media release.

"He didn't even want to participate in the interview," Steele said, noting Anderson also did not want to be photographed.

Anderson could not be reached for comment Friday.

However, neighbor and close friend Augie Petrucci said Anderson told him Wednesday that he'd won the Lotto and explained how he'd purchased the winning ticket.

Petrucci, standing outside his house, said Anderson's wife called him from Jacksonville while she was at a seminar and reminded him to buy Lotto tickets.

"He went to the (Cumberland Farms) and he said he asked for two Quick Pick tickets and he only got one," Petrucci said.

"He had to remind the gentleman there that he wanted two. So he got another one and that was the one that was the winner."

Although the winning amount originally was estimated at $82 million, last-minute sales pushed the jackpot to $87.9 million — the fourth-largest in lottery history.

Lotto winners can claim their winnings in a one-time, lump payment or in annual installments over 30 years, which yields a greater payout because of accrued interest, Steele said.

Three weeks ago, John Udick, 70, of The Villages, submitted the other winning ticket, bought at a Circle K near his home in Lady Lake.

Anderson is the 20th Lotto winner to buy a winning ticket in St. Lucie County and the 845th Lotto winner since 1988.

On April 26, a $30,000 retailer bonus was presented to the Cumberland Farms.

The Lotto rolled over 10 times, making the retailer bonus amount $60,000. Half went to the local Cumberland Farms and the other half to the Lady Lake store that sold the other winning ticket.

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