After great concern over its possible closure, the Cortez post office will remain open to residents for another five years. According to the office of Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, the office has signed a lease extension through July 31, 2026, and will remain open at its current location.

Earlier this year, Buchanan wrote to the Postal Service to express his concern about the office closing. Without the location, many residents would have to travel more than 10 miles round trip each day to pick up their mail.

"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 are finally able to find a more permanent solution," said Buchanan, according to a press release.