A symbol for the country’s freedom is delaying construction on a project to help wounded veterans.

The discovery of a bald eagle nest in Osceola County is costing the county money and is delaying construction on a UCF Therapeutic Equestrian Center project which will help wounded warriors.

“They’re beautiful. I mean, that’s our nation’s symbol,” said Doris DuPriest who lives near the site near Chisholm Park.

Once construction crews noticed the eagle’s nest, they waited to hear from county officials.

On Monday, Osceola County commissioners approved an additional $122,000 to relocate the construction into an “approved eagle zone”.

That means the structures will need to be 330 feet away from the nest and crews will need to monitor to make sure they are not interfering with the majestic birds.

The total cost of the project is $1.7 million.

Neighbor Roxanne Carter says she can’t wait to see the center complete.

“I have a lot of friends in the service.”

She also says it’s amusing. The very animal that symbolizes freedom is delaying therapy for those who fought for it.

“It’s a symbol. You know? And then it’s right there. It’s like ‘I’m staying here with you,” said Carter.

Nesting season is well over. Residents say the eagles come back every year.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says bald eagles typically nest from October through May and are known to visit the same nests each year.

We asked neighbors what they thought about county dollars being spent on the project.

“I sure do,” said Carter.

“It’s well spent, but it’s so high. Taxes are so high,” said DuPriest.

Osceola County is considered dense breeding ground for eagles.

Find documented bald eagle nesting territories in Florida