WTSP.com

Orlando dermatologist is Florida's first Powerball winner

 Brittany Benner     4 months ago
Advertisement

Tallahassee, Florida -- What would you do with $189 million?

One Orlando couple is trying to figure it out now, since they struck it rich as Powerball jackpot winners.

Dr. William D. Steele waltzed into the Winners Reception Center with his wife, a smile, and a serious case of the giggles.

"We're still in shock," said Dr. Steele, with a chuckle.

Who wouldn't be after winning 189 million bucks? That's the largest single-winner jackpot in Florida history.

So we asked him how it felt when reality hit.

"I had one of those 'Oh my gosh!' moments," said Steele.

Steele said he didn't even realize he won until last weekend, and he waited to share the news with his wife, Francis.

"It was about 4 in the morning, I think, I woke my wife up and said 'Honey, do you love me?' and she said, 'I've always loved you,' and I said, 'I love you too... oh, by the way...' "

So what about their dream list?

"We're pretty much living our dream already," said Francis Steele.

"We've got each other and this is the love of my life and my heart's desire and I've got a wonderful family. I couldn't ask for anything more," said Dr. Steele.

The Steeles said they have kids, but didn't want to disclose much personal information.

"What we've always felt too is that we wanted to be able to fuel our children's dreams and help them be of service and work in the community," Dr. Steele said.

Florida Lottery says it's proud a second bonanza from this Powerball prize goes to Sunshine State schools.

"Over $21 million of this jackpot goes to the school system in Florida to help education," said Florida Lottery Secretary Leo DiBeningno.

Dr. Steele plans to invest his winnings into Florida's future as well by contributing to a number of charities in his community.

Florida Lottery officials hope this first PowerBall win in Florida will help boost sales. They remind you to play responsibly.

And just in case you're wondering... the chances of winning the Powerball jackpot are around 1 in every 195 million.

Share |  
Check out our family of Web sites:
  Forecast First   Metromix
  Moms Like Me   Studio 10

In your voice

Commenting is intended as a constructive, open community forum. Abusive text and comments that do not follow terms of service guidelines are not condoned by 10 Connects and will be removed. PLEASE NOTE: Comments are automatically removed for review after three reports of abuse by public users, such as you.