12 Marion County restaurants failed inspection while eight received a perfect score

Staff reports
·14 min read

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Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you.

For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Marion County restaurant inspections site.

Here's the breakdown for recent health inspections in Marion County, Florida, for the week of Dec. 11-17, 2023. Please note that some more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.

Disclaimer: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation describes an inspection report as a 'snapshot' of conditions present at the time of the inspection. On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment.

For full restaurant inspection details, visit our Marion County restaurant inspection site.

Which Marion County restaurants got perfect scores on their health inspections?

These restaurants met all standards during their Dec. 11-17 inspections and no violations were found.

** Restaurants that failed an inspection and aced a follow-up inspection in the same week

Which Marion County restaurants had high priority violations?

Brick City Southern Kitchen

10 S. Magnolia Ave, Ocala

Routine Inspection on Dec. 11

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

13 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. At the end of the cook line, brisket 130F, pork 118F and 125F, also chicken 127F, 126F and 131F, food was moved to a non in use heating box or tempers was adjusted. **Warning**

Brick City Southern Kitchen

10 S. Magnolia Ave, Ocala

Routine Inspection on Dec. 13

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

1 total violation, with 1 high-priority violation

  • High Priority - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. At the end of the cook line, brisket 130F, pork 118F and 125F, also chicken 127F, 126F and 131F, food was moved to a non in use heating box or tempers was adjusted. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-13: At the end of the cook line, Hot holding: grits 121F, Mac and cheese 132F, stew 118F, Manager moved all items to stove and reheated to: stew 187F, grits 168F, Mach and cheese 169F. All items were in Hot holding box for no more than 2 hrs. **Admin Complaint** **Corrected On-Site**

Candler Hills Golf Club Restaurant

8139 SW 90 Terrace Road, Ocala

Routine Inspection on Dec. 11

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

29 total violations, with 7 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed can of tomato sauce on prep table with dented seam.

  • High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishmachine at 10 ppm **Warning**

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed open box of sausage in reach in freezer stored above peaches. Observed raw bacon stored cooked ham in walk-in-cooler in back.

  • High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed container of French onion soup in back walk-in-cooler dated 11/28

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed container of French onion soup in back walk-in-cooler dated 11/28

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature. Observed the following items and cold holding temperatures in the reach-in Cooler on cook line: Grits 46F, Shrimp 46, Meat loaf 46F. All items had been stored over night in the reach in cooler **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following items and cold holding temperatures in the reach-in Cooler on cook line: Grits 46F, Shrimp 46, Meat loaf 46F. All items had been stored over night in the reach in cooler **Warning**

Cantina Tex-Mex

35 SE First St., #101, Ocala

Routine Inspection on Dec. 12

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

14 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Reach-in cooler at the cook line, lobster stored bellow raw fish Manager stored properly Also observed raw chicken opened bag stored above vegetables, Manager moved. **Corrected On-Site**

  • High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Garlic aioli date marked 11/29/23.

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Reach-in cooler at the cook line: pico 46F, corn mix 47F, lettuce 48F, poblano sauce 50F, cut tomatoes 48F and 47F, vegetables 46F, garlic aioli 49F.

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding: Reach-in cooler at the cook line: pico 46F, corn mix 47F, lettuce 48F, poblano sauce 50F, cut tomatoes 48F and 47F, vegetables 46F, garlic aioli 49F. **Warning**

China Max

10345 SE US Highway 441, Belleview

Complaint Inspection on Dec. 13

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

10 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Male employee took cash from customer then used utensil to handle food without washing hands.

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In reach in cooler near fryers: eggrolls 46F. Pork 46F. Pork 47F. Chicken 46F. Reach in cooler has an ambient temperature of 50F. Per operator, has been in unit overnight. Stop sale issued. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler near fryers: eggrolls 46F. Pork 46F. Pork 47F. Chicken 46F. Reach in cooler has an ambient temperature of 50F. Per operator, has been in unit overnight. Stop sale issued. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

Epic Theatres Ocala

4414 SW College Rd, Ocala

Routine Inspection on Dec. 11

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

21 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Male employee adjusted pants, cashed out customer then continued to scoop popcorn into bags without washing hands.

  • High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Male employee scooping popcorn with bare hands, as bags are filled extra kernels falling onto employees bare hands. Advised manager that employees should were gloves while filling popcorn bags. **Corrective Action Taken**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food required to be date marked is not date marked and time of opening/preparation cannot be determined. See stop sale. Hotdogs in reach in cooler at front counter with no date mark. Employees unable to identify date hotdogs were opened.

  • High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle labeled Window cleaner on shelf over candy. Bottle of window cleaner stored next to single use gloves. Chemical bottles stored with clean dishes over triple sink. All were moved. **Corrected On-Site**

Grace Japanese Steakhouse

3035 SE Maricamp Road, #101, Ocala

Routine Inspection on Dec. 13

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

17 total violations, with 6 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. In walk-in cooler, rice cooked 12/12/23 at 66F.

  • High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. In walk-in cooler, rice cooked 12/12/23 at 66F.

  • High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. At the cook line, raw beef stored above raw shrimp, also raw chicken stored above raw shrimp, employe moved all. **Corrected On-Site**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Reach-in cooler at the cook line fried shrimp 52F, per employee shrimp was cooked 12/12/23 and left on top of cooler above the filling line.

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach-in cooler at the cook line fried shrimp 52F, per employee shrimp was cooked 12/12/23 and left on top of cooler above the filling line. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

  • High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Mop sink, splitter added, no back flow preventer installed on one side of the splitter. Manager installed one. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

Hardees Of Belleview

5741 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview

Routine Inspection on Dec. 13

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

10 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in breakfast unit on cookline: eggs 50-51F. Scramble mix 53F. Reach in unit has an ambient temperature of 47F. Unit was at proper temperature during first shift line check. All Time/Tempurature Control for Safety items moved to walk in cooler during this inspection.

  • High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. No device located on hose connection side of splitter at mop sink. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

Okala Spring Gourmet

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Routine Inspection on Dec. 14

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

8 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in reach in freezer raw beef stored above French fries and tortillas.

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw shell eggs stored at an ambient air temperature greater than 45 degrees Fahrenheit, with a surface temperature of 78. Manager advised that eggs had been out for 90 minutes. Manager placed eggs in reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**

Peachwave Frozen Yogurt

3035 SE Maricamp Road, Suite 116, Ocala

Routine Inspection on Dec. 14

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

8 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

  • High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. June 1, 2023 **Admin Complaint**

Popeyes 12042

10786 S Us 441, Belleview

Routine Inspection on Dec. 13

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

11 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. In walk in cooler: pan of rice 54F-59F. Cooling began at 9:25 AM. Tempurature taken at 4:20 PM. Stop sale issued.

  • High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. In walk in cooler: pan of rice 54F-59F. Cooling began at 9:25 AM. Tempurature taken at 4:20 PM. Stop sale issued.

  • High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Female employee touched visor with gloved hands then continued to prepare food without washing hands. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler: pan of raw chicken on shelf over buckets of pickles. Manager moved pickles during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

Steak N Shake

3800 SW College Road, Ocala

Routine Inspection on Dec. 11

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

11 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0 ppm chlorine. Electric panel blinking red and instructing to refresh sanitizer. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. At mop sink, four way splitter added. One section connected to chemicals. Two sections have devices. One section missing device.

Taqueria Ruby

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Routine Inspection on Dec. 14

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

2 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed container of sour cream in reach in cooler at 48F. Person in charge advised that sour cream had been recently used to prep a dish about 30 minutes earlier. Person in charge placed sour cream in reach in freezer.

What agency inspects restaurants in Florida?

Routine regulation and inspection of restaurants is conducted by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The Department of Health is responsible for investigation and control of food-borne illness outbreaks associated with all food establishments.

How do I report a dirty restaurant in Florida?

If you see abuses of state standards, report them and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation will send inspectors. Call the Florida DBPR at 850-487-1395 or report a restaurant for health violations online.

Get the whole story at our restaurant inspection database.

What does all that terminology in Florida restaurant inspections mean?

Basic violations are those considered against best practices.

A warning is issued after an inspector documents violations that must be corrected by a certain date or within a specified number of days from receipt of the inspection report.

An administrative complaint is a form of legal action taken by the division. Insufficient compliance after a warning, a pattern of repeat violations or existence of serious conditions that warrant immediate action may result in the division initiating an administrative complaint against the establishment. Says the division website: "Correcting the violations is important, but penalties may still result from violations corrected after the warning time was over."

An emergency order — when a restaurant is closed by the inspector — is based on an immediate threat to the public. Here, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants director has determined that the establishment must stop doing business and any division license is suspended to protect health, safety or welfare of the public.

A 24-hour call-back inspection will be performed after an emergency closure or suspension of license.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala area restaurant and food truck inspections Dec. 11-17: Restaurant inspection: 18 Marion fail