By Elijah Penn, Editor-in-Chief
Did you know that the monks of Saint Leo Abbey were publicly accused by the Florida Governor of being German spies during World War I? Or that St. Leo’s primary founder served as the Chief Justice for the Arizona Territory?
These are just a few of the discoveries that junior political science student and St. Leo History Center intern Ethan Parks has uncovered during his research of the town’s rich past.
The St. Leo History Center is just part of a larger plan to create a “Town Center” for the Town of St. Leo. The Center opened in mid-May and is open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m.
Parks serves as the Center’s historian and develops displays based on his historical findings. The displays on exhibit included war history, railroad artifacts, historical photos from prominent Saint Leo University graduates, and more. A few donations are expected as well, such as the original bell from the Abbey Church.
“I am eager to contribute to public education by sharing the history of this region,” said Parks.
This is not the first time Parks has worked on a project like this. In his hometown of Bushnell, Florida, he volunteers with Dade Battlefield Historic State Park as a tour guide and U.S. Solider reenactor. Parks plans to use his skills as an interpretive historian to bring St. Leo history to life through living history events and interactive displays based on extensive research.
“I also look forward to organizing and hosting historical reenactments covering the Florida War [Second Seminole War], the Civil War, and other significant periods,” said Parks.
The Center also features an art gallery with the work of community artists. Parks hinted that events featuring community artists and authors may lie in the future.
“I highly encourage everyone, especially students, to come visit us. Our little Town does not have a little history, and you can learn all about it with one visit,” stated Parks.
St. Leo Mayor Vincent “Mike” D’Ambrosio noted that the Center came together through great community support.
“The success of the project was truly a collective effort. Our City Commission, staff, interns, and engaged citizens all played important roles, alongside valued community partners such as SaintLeo University, Saint Leo Abbey Church, and Holy Name Priory. This was, in every sense, a community-driven accomplishment,” said D’Ambrosio.
Indeed, the goal of the Center is to bring awareness to the accomplishments and heritage of the community.
“The inspiration for the History Center was to preserve, celebrate, and share the rich history of St. Leo,” said D’Ambrosio.
The Center doesn’t just tell what happened in the distant past; it tells the story of the community and its members.
“It provides a place for reflection, education, and connection, helping to strengthen our shared identity. Just as importantly, it serves as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the legacy of our community continues to inform and inspire our future,” said D’Ambrosio.
In April, before its official opening, the Center held a preview event. Even the local Pasco County Fire Rescue team made an appearance. The attendance showed that St. Leo residents are passionate about learning and preserving the history that built and shaped the town into what it is today.
“The level of engagement and enthusiasm we saw from across the community was encouraging and reaffirmed the importance of this effort,” D’Ambrosio added.
Since the preview, the community has aided the Center by providing deeper information on artifacts and pictures displayed and general history of the town. It has also hosted more successful events and fundraisers over the summer, such as Founder’s Day.
Parks encouraged anyone interested in learning more about the St. Leo history, Center, or its future plans to contact the Town of St. Leo or reach out to him directly at ethan.parks@email.saintleo.edu.
