Lakeland couple wins $18M lottery prize

HIGHLAND CITY (FOX 13) - Feelin' lucky? Probably not as lucky as Diane Darty. She and her husband just lucked out and won $18 million in the Florida Lottery.

"It's pretty crazy," commented Anthony Wallace, the Darty's neighbor. "I didn't expect someone right down the road from me to be winning $18 million."

Erica Drop bubbled when she heard the news.

"Oh, my goodness. That's insane. That's amazing for them," she said.

We asked the Darty's for an interview, but they politely declined. However, from published reports, we know that the couple is looking for a new home, and plan to keep their trusty old truck and just fix it up a little. According to Diane's Facebook page, she is an animal lover with a special place in her heart for cats.

"They probably have, I don't know, more than 10 cats. That's  a lot of cats," said Drop.

The winning lottery ticket was bought at a 7-11 on US 98 South, not far from their home. There is now a sign there to let customers know. When Jimmie Brantley saw the sign, she immediately bought a ticket.

"You think your chances are better of winning," we asked Brantley.

"I hope so," she said with a smile.

The Dartys aren't the only ones who will be getting a big juicy check. The state is sending the owner of the 7-11 one for $90,000 as well.