We hope everyone had a fun filled April Fools day and enjoyed this foolery we played on our Publisher while he and his family were away on vacation. -ss
Salida Citizen Publisher Bill Donavon hit a Florida record jackpot while playing nickel slot machines at the historic Okeechobee Grand Casino. The triple play jackpot totaled $42,358.05 and included the use of a 1997 Dodge Caravan minivan with special addition Okeechobee Grand Casino vinyl wrap graphics for one full year.
During a phone interview, Bill excitedly talked about the skill and logic required to win big on slot machines, and how he picked the two machines he was playing at 4:37a.m. when he hit the jackpot. Bill along with his wife Laura normally take several trips each year to gamble in locations around the globe. Bill states, “We normally look for Casinos with youth activities for Riley and Shea, so we can focus on winning. Most think we travel to places like Costa Rica for the surfing and adventure of exploring different cultures, truth is, places like Costa Rica are a great way to gamble without fear of paying exorbitant income taxes if you win”. Bill then admitted that they didn’t select Florida for this trip for tax reasons, but because Laura has family in the area which eliminated lodging costs and provided a place to leave the kids.
When asked about what the future now holds, Laura and Bill both agree that they will use the money they won to explore the famous Mediterranean Casinos which until now have been out of reach. In addition they both agree that a portion of the winnings will go into a savings account they created several years ago to fund breast enlargement surgery for Laura.
While the Salida Citizen staff is truly excited for the Donavan’s, consensus in the newsroom is that they may want to use caution when scheduling future family vacations and avoid leaving town on April Fools Day. -ss











OK, good one. You had me all the way until ” …fund breast enlargement…”
Wow Ben’s gullible, it was the minivan part that really clued me in.
I want a ride in the minivan! Maybe the Citizen can operate a special shuttle to lure tourists off the Higfhway and into downtown.
…that’s good. That’s good. ;—)