Veterans in Taylor County are in the middle of a different kind of battle.

The American Legion in Steinhatchee is not in compliance with county rules, and veterans are fighting to keep their post.

Stroke survivor and U.S. war veteran Bill Mosier always looks forward to going to the American Legion Post 291 in Steinhatchee, Taylor County.

Mosier said, "It's a place for me to go. See, I'm by myself. I come up here every day and drink a Mountain Dew."

But, they serve more than soda; and someone tipped off Florida's Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco that the post is serving it without an alcohol beverage license.

It was also brought to light that they're operating with beer and alcohol 1,200 feet from Steinhatchee School.

County ordinance says they have to be 2,500 feet away from a school.

Post Commander James Moody said, "We'll probably have to close down."

Moody says shutting down would impact the whole community, because he says the American Legion is more than just a place to gather and drink.

Moody said, "We're active members of the chamber of commerce. We take veterans to the hospital if they need a ride. There are thousands of dollars each year going to the school, to the veterans organizations."

The post has started a petition to ask the Taylor County Commission for an exception on serving alcohol 1,300 feet too close to the school.

Steinhatchee resident Elsie Adams is not the person who alerted authorities, but she says she does not agree that an exception should be granted.

Adams said, "That should've been known, I think. Maybe if they didn't like their location, they could move somewhere else."

The post has gathered about 300 signatures so far.

Members will make their presentation at the next Taylor County Commission meeting, which is Tuesday, November 17th at 6 p.m. at the county administration complex.

Commissioners won't make any decision until Tuesday.

But, the post was built in 1973 and the ordinance was passed in 1983. So, officials say it's likely the American Legion will be grandfathered in.

As far as the liquor license goes, the post commander says all of the paperwork is done, they just have to get the okay on the distance rule before receiving the license.