Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-Tampa) is urging the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to expedite the reopening of two post office locations in her district that have remained closed for months following damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

In a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, Rep. Castor called for action to restore operations at the Ruskin location (455 N. US Highway 41) closed since September 25, and the Town N Country location (7521 Paula Dr.) closed since October 8.

“While temporary operations have been established elsewhere, they do not adequately meet the needs of my constituents and local businesses,” Castor wrote. “I strongly urge the USPS to prioritize repairs and reopen these facilities as soon as possible.”

The closures have caused frustration among residents, with longer wait times and confusion about mail services. Ruskin resident Jim Reatherford expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “Everyone with a P.O. box is stuck in a single-file line, and it feels disorganized. It takes too long to get mail.”

The last update from USPS regarding the status of hurricane-damaged facilities came on November 4, with information on temporary operations at affected locations. However, many residents, including those in Ruskin and Town N Country, remain inconvenienced.

USPS Temporary Operation Details for Ruskin and Town N Country:

• Ruskin: Services have been moved to the Sun City Post Office (4449 Old Highway 41 S). Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m.
• Town N Country: Services are available at the Hilldale Post Office (3201 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa). Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Rep. Castor emphasized the importance of clear communication and swift action to alleviate the burdens faced by residents and businesses dependent on these postal services.

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(Image credit: WTSP)