Bradenton resident claims $344.2 million cash prize from $800 million Mega Millions jackpot

A Quick Pick ticket purchased at Wawa No. 5185 on State Road 70 East in Bradenton matched all six numbers drawn on July 28, ending a 37-drawing rollover and securing the $800 million Mega Millions jackpot. The winner, whose identity is temporarily exempt from public disclosure under Florida law, elected the lump-sum cash option worth $344.2 million before taxes.

The Florida Lottery’s records list the winner’s residence as Bradenton, FL 34204, but no name or claim date is provided. The ticket was the sole winner nationwide for that draw, with numbers 34-48-49-59-70 and Mega Ball 12.

Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald Dixon said, "> We are thrilled to congratulate Florida's newest Mega Millions jackpot winner on this incredible, life-changing moment. > This win is an exciting reminder that every ticket carries the possibility of a dream come true. > We are especially grateful to our valued Florida Lottery players, whose continued support helps generate funding for education across our state."

The store manager at the Wawa declined to discuss the win, stating, "> We’ve been told that we are not allowed to talk about that."

Under state law, winners of prizes $250,000 or greater are exempt from public disclosure for 90 days after claiming, after which their name and city become part of the public record. Prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing, with the cash option claim window limited to the first 60 days.

The $800 million prize ranks among the largest Mega Millions jackpots in history and is the biggest lottery win in Florida since the $1.602 billion jackpot in August 2023.