A routine grocery run recently turned into a life-changing event for one lucky shopper in Indian River County. While Friday the 13th is typically associated with superstition and bad luck, the March 13, 2026, Mega Millions drawing proved quite the opposite for a ticket buyer right here in Vero Beach, Florida.
A Mega Millions ticket purchased at the Publix located at 5230 U.S. 1 in Vero Beach secured a massive second-tier prize, culminating in a spectacular $10 million payout thanks to a 10-times multiplier.
The winning numbers for that highly lucrative Friday night drawing were 6-19-36-40-55 with a Mega Ball of 9. While the grand jackpot rolled over for the nation, this substantial secondary win establishes Vero Beach as one of the latest hot spots for Florida Lottery luck.
This massive Treasure Coast win is part of a broader winning streak across the state. According to Florida Lottery officials, several other multi-million-dollar tickets were sold throughout March 2026, including:
- A $10 million Powerball Double Play winning Quick Pick ticket sold at a Circle K in Leesburg.
- A $4 million Mega Millions ticket purchased at a Liquor and Wine Merchant in Plantation.
- A $1 million Powerball ticket matched at a Publix in Boca Raton.
For the newly minted Vero Beach multi-millionaire, as well as anyone else trying their luck on the Treasure Coast, understanding the Florida Lottery’s rules for claiming prizes is crucial. Here is what local players need to know about cashing in a winning ticket in the state of Florida:
- Claim Deadlines: Florida Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days (six months) from the official drawing date. However, if the winner wishes to select the single-payment cash option, they must step forward to claim it within the first 60 days after the draw date.
- Public Disclosure Guidelines: Can the Vero Beach winner stay completely anonymous? Unfortunately, no. Florida law mandates that lottery records, including the winner’s name, city of residence, and the amount won, must be provided to any third party who requests the information.
- Temporary Anonymity Exemption: There is a small silver lining for major winners. For prizes of $250,000 or greater, the winner’s name is temporarily exempt from public disclosure for 90 days from the date the prize is claimed, providing a brief but valuable window of privacy to get financial affairs in order.
If you recently purchased a Mega Millions ticket at the U.S. 1 Publix in Vero Beach, it is highly recommended that you double-check your numbers. A simple trip to the store might have just made you the Treasure Coast’s newest multi-millionaire!
