A LaBelle man’s trip to the local smoke shop turned into a million-dollar milestone just days before the New Year. Antonio Garcia Avila, 60, claimed a $1 million top prize from the Florida Lottery’s BONUS LETTER CROSSWORD scratch-off game after visiting the Fort Myers District Office on December 29.
Despite the game’s word-puzzle theme, no actual spelling skills were required to secure the windfall—just a lucky $5 ticket. Garcia Avila chose to bypass the annuity option, instead walking away with a one-time, lump-sum payment of $640,000.00.
The winning ticket was sold at Patson Discount Tobacco and Smoke Shop, located at 216 S. Main Street in LaBelle…