Local

St. Augustine American Legion hall abruptly closes its doors

American Legion Post 37 has been a home-away-from-home for veterans for nearly eight decades.

Now, it has to find a new home.

“We hadn’t got a clue about what’s going on,” said Rob Flatley, a veteran.

Flatley was a member with Post 37 for 12 years.

“Enjoy some friendship with some fellow vets, but it’s gone,” she said.

Flatley said he learned about the news the same day it closed its doors Monday.

The statement on the door says, “Due to the financial situation the American Legion Post 37 has developed over the multiple preceding years – which has resulted in its ability to make payments on debts and obligations that are conditions, provisions, covenants and obligations of the lease, in a timely manner, or not at all – ALP37 is unable to maintain compliance with the terms of the lease.”

Action News Jax went to find out the reasons behind the massive debt that put the legion and the Hamblen House in this position.

The manager with Hamblen said she wasn’t allowed to talk about it right now.

Action News Jax called the St. Augustine Police Department and was told they have no investigations.

We also checked with FDLE – but we are still waiting to hear back.  Action News Jax will continue to look into this.