MIAMI NEWS
September 16, 2011
Contact: David Melenkevitz, PIO
Miami Division
954-660-4602
DEA and the Museum of Science and Industry
Open Powerful New Exhibit
Exhibit from the Drug Enforcement Administration
explores the many costs and consequences of illegal drugs
MIAMI, FL.  - The Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA's) traveling museum exhibit,
 Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause
, has arrived in Tampa. Installed at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), the 10,000-square-foot exhibit opens today and runs through September 3, 2012.
 Target America
 explores the science behind illegal drug addiction and the myriad costs of illegal drugs-to individuals, American society, and the world.
"Most Americans are unaware of the science behind drug addiction, or of the tremendous costs associated with drug production, sale, and abuse," said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. "While the vast majority of Americans are not drug users, we all bear the costs of illegal drugs in some way. The 
Target America
 Exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry will open eyes to the science behind drug addiction, educate Americans about the costs of drugs to society, and educate us on what we can do to make a difference in our local communities."
"We are honored to open
 Target America: Opening the Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause
 at MOSI. This exhibition dives deep into the enforcement, prevention and treatment of drugs in America and the impact of drugs on the Florida economy. With this exhibition, we hope to open the eyes of the Tampa Bay Community" said Wit Ostrenko, President of MOSI.
Despite the fact that the vast majority of Americans are not drug users, the costs to society - estimated at more than $200 billion a year - are paid by the public in many ways, including the cost of lost productivity of users at work, their health care, criminal justice costs, and child welfare costs. The exhibit provides an important look at how each visitor can work to break the cycle of drug abuse and drug-related violence. It also gives a never-before-seen look at the shadowy world of narco-terrorism and the connections between terrorists and drug traffickers.
Target America
 began its national tour in 2002 and comes to Tampa with a section specific to Florida. The "Florida Story" looks at the history of drug trends and law enforcement's responses in Florida over recent decades and gives visitors the chance to take part in a surveillance operation and get an inside view of the technology law enforcement uses in drug investigations.
A coalition of corporate, foundation, and individual sponsors brings
 Target America
 to Tampa. The exhibit was developed in partnership with The DEA Educational Foundation, The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and The Partnership for a Drug Free America. It premiered September 11, 2002 at the DEA Museum in Arlington, Virginia and has since inspired many millions of visitors in Dallas, Omaha, New York City, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, and most recently in New Orleans.
MOSI, located at 4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, is openMonday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
 Target America
, located in the
 Kids in Charge!
 area of the facility ,
 is included in general admission.
About MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry)
MOSI is a not-for-profit, community-based institution and educational resource dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology. With a total size of over 400,000 square feet, MOSI is the largest science center in the southeastern United States, and home to the only IMAX 
 Dome
 Theatre in the state of Florida.
 Kids In Charge!
 The Children's Science Center at MOSI is the
 largest
 children's science center in the nation.
 Disasterville
, featuring Weather
Quest,
 combines education and 10,000 square feet of interactive exhibits on the science behind natural disasters. MOSI's newest permanent exhibition,
 The Amazing You
, explores the fascinating world of birth through end of life. Conquer your fears and experience an adrenaline rush like no other on MOSI's newest permanent attraction, the Sky Trail Ropes Course, featuring 36 elements on a 12 - 36 foot high, multilevel structure. MOSI is the proud winner of the 2009 National Medal for Museums by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation's highest honor for museums. For more information on MOSI, visitwww.mosi.org
. MOSI Contact: Adrienne Drew, Media Relations Specialist (813) 987-6080adrew@mosi.orgView Photo Gallery >>Watch MOSI PSA |View Transcript