Remembering Gene O’Steen

Remembering Remembering Gene Gene

Gene O’Steen touched a lot of people’s lives in Tampa Bay. Even if you only met him once he made you feel like you were a close friend. Gene came from humble beginnings and a great family, growing up on a farm raising tobacco and watermelon. After playing football for Florida he moved to Tampa. Through hard work and a strong work ethic he, at one time or another had his hand on almost every bar in Tampa. Gene always believed in doing the best you can and treating people right.

Gene’s wife Jillian has found a great way to keep his memory alive. Gene’s Legacy is a bar where old friends, and new friends alike, can have a place to reminisce about the old times while making new memories as well.

Jillian says, “ What I hope people get from Gene’s Lounge is a constant reminder of such a great man and the values he preached. He loved Tampa and this business for over 60 years. I hope everyone remembers Gene for his caring, how hard he worked, and how happy he was.

What better way to honor such a legend than to give him one last bar.”