NATION IN BRIEF : FLORIDA : Refugee Turns in 28 Winning Tickets

A Cuban refugee who purchased 28 lottery tickets defied astronomical odds and claimed 28 prizes, including the $6.22-million grand prize, Florida lottery officials said. Jorge Torres, 45, matched all six numbers on one ticket and turned in 11 tickets matching five of the six winning numbers, each worth $2,930.50, and 16 tickets with four winning numbers worth $85 each. Lottery Secretary Rebecca Paul said Torres, who installs fire protection sprinklers and delivers newspapers in Miami, will receive 20 annual payments of $311,000. Lottery spokesman Ed George said he could not recall anyone ever claiming more than 10 winning tickets during the two years that the Florida lottery has been in operation.