Ocala mansion essay contest nixed

Author Clementina Marie Giovannetti has cancelled an essay contest to win her $1.25 million home in Ocala. Giovannetti’s challenge to write the “best pet lover” essay commenced in April, and would have continued through July 23, had she not cancelled the offer due to insufficient response. She said she had needed 6,250 participants to proceed and, given the contests $200 processing fee per entry, she would have made back the homes asking price. Nationally, owners desperate to get rid of pricey properties are trying similar contests to unload properties in an effort to circumvent state gambling laws forbidding house raffles and lotteries.