Lottery winner credits power of positive thinking
PORT RICHEY (FOX 13) - Minutes after watching last Friday’s Mega Millions drawing, Shane Missler posted three words on his Facebook page - "Oh. My. God."
The 20-year-old from Port Richey hit the $450-million jackpot.
A few days later, Shane and his family started telling friends. And on Friday, through lawyers and the Florida Lottery, they announced it to the world.
"I think it's awesome. It really couldn't have happened to a nicer family," neighbor Jessica Williams said. "You don't ever think it's going to happen to anybody you know, but it does!"
Shane chose to take the lump sum payout - only $282-million.
One of his neighbors wonders what a guy who's still too young to drink is thinking a week after striking it rich.
"Oh, the poor thing. Imagine what he must feel like. His head's in a cloud not knowing which way to go or turn. I'd be scared to death," neighbor Eileen Amerose commented to FOX 13 News.
According to Florida Lottery officials, Shane first told his brother, then his father over coffee the next day.
LINK: What to do when you win the lottery: Former winner weighs in
As congratulations poured in online Friday, Shane tweeted, "Thank you, everyone, for the positive thoughts. This is only the beginning. I am truly grateful and most appreciative."
On social media, Shane is always smiling in photos and, in March, even took a picture on Clearwater Beach next to a statue of Hulk Hogan and beneath a sign that reads, "Filthy Rich."
He even told lottery officials he had a good feeling he'd win.
His tweets the morning of the drawing now appear to foreshadow the night that would change his life forever.
“Do or do not, there is no try,” Missler tweeted at 6:22 a.m., followed three hours later by, “No more talk, only action.”
How did he know? He explained it in a tweet on January 10.
“The power of positive thinking should not be underestimated.”
"I believe in that. I think if you do good in life and treat others the way you want to be treated, you get that in return. It's a blessing," neighbor Melissa Perry said.
Perhaps the burning question for Shane - what does a 20-year-old do with a fortune?
Jessica Williams said, “Invest, invest, invest.”
Her 7-year-old daughter, Eva added, "I would give all the money to the poor people that don't have anything."
And Eileen Amerose said, "You've got many years ahead of you, so use it wisely."