Retired 2-Star General Dave Scott was having a business meeting at his regular table next to the jukebox at the Dirty Shame Bar on 7th Avenue. Struggling to hear over the music, he asked the owner to turn it down since the bar was empty. The owner responded bluntly: “If you want to turn the music down, open your own fucking bar.” And so, he did.
After retiring from the US Air Force, General Scott chose Ybor City for its unique history. Long before the advent of television and social media, Ybor City attracted people worldwide who sought freedom and the opportunity to prosper through hard work. In this vibrant community, race, religion, nationality, and lifestyle differences were celebrated rather than used to segregate. People worked, played, and lived together as Americans.
Determined to invest in Ybor, General Scott opened an art gallery and invested in several restaurants and a barber shop. Encouraged by his friend Richard Boom, he eventually opened his establishment, the Bad Monkey Bar.
The Bad Monkey Bar is a tribute to first responders and those who serve the community and the nation. The left wall features the Gallery of Heroes, showcasing the stories of each member. It also proudly displays an authentic 13-star American flag from the Battle of Vera Cruz.
The Bad Monkey Bar was the first in Florida to serve Horse Soldier Bourbon and Three Rangers Whiskey, and it prominently features both. The bar also offers a lunch menu with great daily specials.
General Scott, along with his general manager Steve Prebich, a retired TPD detective and Army Reserve veteran, has been proactive in enhancing Ybor City’s security. They have implemented advanced facial recognition cameras networked along 7th Avenue, providing real-time reporting to local business owners and the police. Their efforts have significantly made Ybor City a safer place for its visitors.
This Memorial Day Weekend, MyYbor.com salutes General Scott, Steve Prebich, and the Bad Monkey Bar as we remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our great country.
