JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- So, that $579 million Powerball jackpot wasn't won in Florida. That doesn't mean we didn't get a piece of the pie.
In fact, there were two $2 million tickets sold in the Sunshine State. And four $1 million winners, including one right here in Jacksonville.
Christmas has come early for John Eubanks and his co-workers at the Kings Road Post Office. Eubanks says he, and 16 other postal workers, pooled their money, to buy 85 Powerball quick picks.
He says one of them was a million-dollar winner. "We got five out of six numbers and we missed the Powerball by two," said Eubanks. "The Powerball was six and we got number four."
Lottery officials tell us the winning ticket was purchased at the Publix on Beach and Kernan. They say the postal workers haven't claimed their prize just yet. But they don't have to go far to get their money.
"We could pay the million dollar claim right here at the district office," said Stephen Galaydick, Florida Lottery District Manager for Jacksonville. "They don't need to make the trip to Tallahassee."
Customers at the post office couldn't be happier for Eubanks and his pals. Michelle Akser said, "I'm so excited for them. I think that they deserve it."
Eubanks agrees. After taxes, he estimates they'll each take home about $44,000. "It went to the right people," he said. "The good Lord above, he's looked out for me in my life, and I felt like he'd do something someday. It happened to be today, and I'm happy."
Eubanks says the postal workers plan on picking up their winnings tomorrow. With his share, he says he plans to pay off his house, so hopefully, he can retire early.
