And the party has continued for the Goodwins . Karen compares living at Latitude Margaritaville to being back in college or living at a resort and having good friends to do things with all of the time . Being among the first to move in at Latitude Margaritaville , their home was often the go-to place for gatherings and dance parties before the Town Center was built . Norm would move the furniture back , roll up the rug , put on the music , and make sure the margaritas flowed .
With a name like Goodwin how can the sweepstakes wins NOT roll in ? In fact , many of Karen ’ s sweepstakes prizes are showcased in their home ’ s GoodWin ’ s Goodtime Tavern , a definite magnate for guests . “ Everything in that room — the furniture , refrigerators , a Luke Bryan autographed guitar , all of the decorations — I have won over the years ,” says Karen . Karen has won more than 90 trips in the 30 plus years she has been sweeping , including recent trips to Australia , Scotland , and one that ’ s being planned with neighborhood friends to Tahiti and Bora Bora . She has won a Pontiac Sunfire and Fast Ten car from the Fast & Furious movie series and a Harley Davidson motorcycle for Norm . The wins add up and include cruises , a walk on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in France and many more . The most unusual and biggest prize came from the Levis ® 150th Anniversary Sweepstakes — a $ 75,000 pair of jeans with a 2.5 carat diamond button , and patch encrusted with ruby rivets and a $ 75,000 check delivered by armored FedEx .
How did Karen get into sweeping ? She started in 1990 as a hobby and she ’ s come a long way from the first thing she won : a coupon for Dial deodorant . “ I can ’ t believe how excited I was about that coupon ,” she laughs . After having three children in three years , she later decided to take up sweeping to contribute to the household while she raised the kids . Since then , she has made entering sweepstakes her career and is she ever good at it !
What if Karen won another house somewhere other than Latitude Margaritaville ? “ Oh my gosh . If someone gave me a free house somewhere else I wouldn ’ t move ,” she responds . “ The lifestyle here is priceless !”
Another good win … fun in Scotland ! L-R : Ric and Lorri Cevallos , Candice Phillips , Karen and Norm Goodwin , Art Phillips .
Norm and Karen Goodwin at home at Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach .