AN ENTIRE neighborhood had to waste time fetching residents’ mail for three months because of a strict rule.
The U.S. Postal Service snubbed the area following a minor criminal act in Florida
Sixteen locals in a south Lakeland neighborhood remained delivery-free for the final three months of 2024, reported NBC-affiliate WFLA.
The problem started last October when vandals damaged their metal community post box – which is federal property.
Mailboxes are protected by federal law, and crimes against them and the postal items they contain are considered a federal offense – attracting possible fines of up to $250,000 or even jail.
But it was minor damage, so just one piece of yellow caution tape was tied around it.
The postal service snub also hit the residents particularly hard in the run-up to Christmas, so they asked the station to investigate.
Shannon Behnken, who probes consumer complaints for WFLA, contacted the USPS for an explanation.
And just one day later, the post box was repaired – to Swanson’s delight.
It reportedly took a worker five minutes to complete the job.
A spokesperson for the service confirmed that additional repairs would be booked for a future time slot.
They added in a statement: “The Postal Service strives to always provide the best possible service to our valued customers.
“This includes ensuring the security of the mail for residents.
“We are pleased to announce that, at this specific location, mail delivery resumed on Jan. 10.
“Remaining minor repairs will be completed as soon as possible.”
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