NEWS

Residents take to social media on Milton mail issue

USPS investigation continues

Kevin Boyer | 850-623-2120 | @KboyerSPRG | kboyer@srpressgazette.com

MILTON — The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is continuing its investigation into an alleged stash of abandoned Milton mail found Nov. 29. Meanwhile, residents are taking sides.

Lori and Michael Stacey, longtime Milton residents, said their issues with the post office have been long standing.

"My husband and I have had to complain to the Milton Post Office on more than one occasion,” Lori said. “We requested our mail be held 3-10 October and when we went to pick it up, they couldn't find our mail. We went to the post office three days in a row and never did get all of our mail.”

Lori said that because of the issues that she has had with mail delivery, she has become concerned about ordering anything from the internet or having items delivered to her home by USPS. When they went out of town in late November, she said they asked for their neighbor to pick their mail up from the post office because they were concerned about delivery.

The Press Gazette's first story, "Abandoned mail found," as of Dec. 7 on the SRPG Facebook page, received 38 comments, 90 reactions and 175 shares. While several residents have expressed their outrage about the mail service, some residents have spoken in support of their carriers.

Sandy Critters wrote, “I’m sorry you are caught up in that... I, on the other hand, LOVE my mail carrier. He is always on time and so courteous.”

Jana Carr wrote, “Would like to give a shout out to our awesome mailman in Pace.”

Brittany Michelle wrote, “I'm just thankful I have an awesome mailman who never misses a beat!”

These comments follow the Inspector General's investigation into a large amount of mail found abandoned Nov. 29 on a rural street in Milton. Over 30 residents lined the Milton Post Office on Nov. 27 to complain about mail not being delivered to their home.

Jeldrys Lowry, USPS OIG public information officer said the investigation is still ongoing and no other information is available for public release due to Privacy Act considerations and the ongoing status of the Inspector General's investigation.

To facilitate efficient delivery, carriers ask residents to make sure house numbers are visible and well-lit on the mailbox or home.