Escambia School Bus Driver Claims $1 Million Top Prize In Scratch-Off Lottery Game

June 7, 2021

A school bus driver from Escambia County has claimed a $1 million top prize from “The Fastest Road to $1,000,000″ Florida Lottery scratch-off game.

Gregory Thomas, 52, chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $790,000.

Thomas, who has driven school buses for 30 years, claimed his prize a mere hours after discovering he had a the winning ticket in the $30 game.

“I almost didn’t believe it when I saw $1,000,000 printed on the ticket, but after the initial shock, I came straight to Tallahassee to claim my prize,” he said.  Thomas shared that he has no immediate plans of retiring or giving up his daily bus route, but he is planning to use some of his winnings to give back to his parents.

Thomas purchased his winning ticket from Circle K, located at 5661 Quintette Road in Pace. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning scratch-off ticket.

Pictured: Gregory Thomas (right) poses with Florida Lottery Chief of Staff Reggie Dixon (left) and an oversized check after claiming a $1 million top prize in a $30 scratch-off game. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

25 Responses to “Escambia School Bus Driver Claims $1 Million Top Prize In Scratch-Off Lottery Game”

  1. David Huie Green on June 12th, 2021 7:34 am

    I would say congratulations, but I’m too jealous.

    Nah, I’ll say it anyway. Congratulations.

  2. Terrell Newsome on June 8th, 2021 6:02 pm

    Congratulations you deserve that

  3. Able G Shelley on June 8th, 2021 7:41 am

    Why should he share the wealth he drove our school kids around for 30 years he deserves every bit of that $1000000 and to be left alone. Share the wealth what you got to be out of your mind

  4. Bernard Cunningham on June 8th, 2021 4:58 am

    Congratulations, well Deserved, 5 years ago i won on a scratch off game, i know how you’re feeling, enjoy your BLESSINGS and stay Humble…

  5. Heather White on June 8th, 2021 12:01 am

    Congrats

  6. Mary mirabella on June 7th, 2021 6:39 pm

    Congratulations! My sister was a school bus driver for years, and I know it was a tough job. You deserve this, and bless you for helping out your parents. Got bless.

  7. Yvonne Walton on June 7th, 2021 3:42 pm

    Congrats I’m next

  8. Molino Miss on June 7th, 2021 11:03 am

    A school bus driver for 30yrs., he certainly deserves his win. Congrats!!

  9. Brent Gallagher on June 7th, 2021 10:50 am

    Way to go

  10. Bertha on June 7th, 2021 10:26 am

    Congratulations a job well done that shows your concern about the children and they will be of getting to school safely and return the home safely and the kindness of your heart to make sure that they was protected God bless beautiful winning

  11. Darcelle Navarro on June 7th, 2021 10:24 am

    Congratulations!

  12. Darcelle Navarro on June 7th, 2021 10:21 am

    Congratulations! God bless you!

  13. Cynthia on June 7th, 2021 10:10 am

    Congrats to you. I’m excited to see hard working people win, you deserve it.

  14. Hazel Bailey on June 7th, 2021 10:05 am

    Blessings come to good person in life …go to helping you parents out good to hear .. congratulations on your win

  15. Melody on June 7th, 2021 9:34 am

    Congratulations!

  16. Dawn Jarvis on June 7th, 2021 8:38 am

    Congrats

  17. Christian fisher on June 7th, 2021 8:32 am

    Congrats on your ticket….. work at at gas station myself
    In charlotte going threw tuff times….. Congrats again on your
    If I won something so big I would be doing the same thing….
    Have a blessed hope many more good winnings come your way

  18. Lisa Denice Taylor on June 7th, 2021 8:16 am

    Awesome Greg

  19. norma mora on June 7th, 2021 8:06 am

    Hi there I am so grateful that you got bless give thanks to our heavenly Father and he send you a big blessing today enjoy it with your family and praise the Lord for the big blessing God bless you and your family always

  20. Just winderin’ on June 7th, 2021 7:31 am

    I wonder if Circle K puts that $2,000 in their corporate account, or if any of the workers at the store get that “commission”?

  21. Melanie Burton on June 7th, 2021 7:28 am

    Share the wealth

  22. Jacqueline on June 7th, 2021 6:55 am

    How wonderful!!!!God has smiled on you. What a blessing

  23. Sherry Taylor on June 7th, 2021 6:41 am

    I teach, so I have an idea what bus drivers must go through. I am sooo happy for him!!!

  24. Janine Singleton Walker on June 7th, 2021 6:26 am

    So very happy for you! To a guy that has always been there for me and just a really great friend. You have been one of the kindest friends and a hard worker. You will go the extra mile for people and it hasn’t gone in unnoticed. Enjoy

  25. Me on June 7th, 2021 12:32 am

    Wow! That is so awesome! Congratulations!!!