WESTVILLE — Turns out the mystery $48 million lottery winner last week was from Alabama.
Carolyn Bell, 64, of Montgomery, Ala., chose to receive her winnings in a one-time, lump-sum payment of $33,609,501, according to Florida Lottery officials.
Bell told the Florida Lottery that she is a regular player anytime she is in Florida and now she and her husband are going to retire. She purchased the winning ticket at Stateline Liquors, 1065 Hwy 179A, in Westville. She declined an interview request via the Florida Lottery.
The liquor and convenience store will receive a bonus commission of $210,000 for selling the winning ticket.
Maulik Joshi works in the store and was unaware of the commission. He said Monday it will first be spent to pay bills and then possibly for store additions.
Total ticket sales from the lottery generated $46 million for Florida schools. The next drawing will be a $3 million jackpot at 10:15 p.m. Wednesday.