By Elijah Penn, Copyeditor
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 sophomore 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 will open this summer, but a sneak peek was held for the community on April 18.
Parks serves as the Center’s historian and develops displays based on his historical findings. The displays exhibited during the preview included war history, railroad artifacts, historical photos from prominent Saint Leo University graduates, and more.
“I am eager to contribute to public education by sharing the history of this region,” said Parks.
This is not the first time Parks had 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.
“Upon its official opening, I strongly encourage the community to visit the History Center,” stated Parks.
The Center came together as a community effort.
“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 St. Leo Mayor Vincent “Mike” 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 a story—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.
The preview event had a great turn out, indicating the future success of the Center and its planned events. 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.
Parks encouraged anyone interested in learning more about the Center, St. Leo history, or future, to contact the Town of St. Leo or reach out to him directly at ethan.parks@email.saintleo.edu.
