The Cortez Post Office isn’t closing after all. USPS announces new lease.
It looked like Cortez residents might lose their post office over an insurance issue.
But after going to the brink several times with announced closing dates, the United States Postal Service announced Thursday night it has renewed its lease of the Cortez Post Office.
“The U.S. Postal Service is pleased to announce it has signed a new five-year lease on the Cortez Post Office, 12112 44th Ave. W., Cortez,” the statement said.
The new lease extends until July 31, 2026.
“As a self-supporting government entity (not generally funded by taxpayer dollars), the Postal Service values its place in the communities we serve at our post offices, stations, and branches throughout the nation,” the statement said.
John Banyas, landlord of the shopping center where the post office is located, had previously declined to renew the lease until the Postal Service covered him with liability insurance.
Two years ago, the Cortez Post Office’s flagpole fell and injured a customer. Even though the flagpole did not belong to Banyas, he had to defend himself in court.
“It’s a no brainer. It’s a given that they need liability insurance, but they said, no, that they are self-insured,” Banyas previously told the Herald.
If the post office had closed, Cortez residents would have been left without home delivery and having to travel to the nearest postal facility more than five miles away.
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, sought to intercede on the behalf of postal patrons.
“My constituents, many of whom are elderly, would have to cross the bridge in heavy season traffic to Bradenton Beach or travel more than five miles to the next closest post office,” Buchanan said in a letter to the Postal Service.
Carol Whitmore, at-large Manatee County commissioner, on Friday applauded the lease extension.
“I am glad it was worked out. I am glad the Post Office acquiesced and protected the strip mall owner. Everyone is the winner and Johnny has something to protect him now,” she said.
Buchanan also applauded the lease extension on Friday:
“I am pleased to see the Cortez post office reach a long-term solution and remain open for my constituents in the area. The Postal Service has been incredibly responsive to my concerns about the undue burden closing this facility would place on residents, and I’m glad we were finally able to find a more permanent solution. I appreciate the Postal Service for following through on their commitment to keeping the Cortez post office open going forward.”
This story was originally published December 10, 2021 at 10:28 AM.
