22 St. Johns County restaurants fail inspections; 2 temporarily closed
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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 St. Johns County restaurant inspections site.
Here's the breakdown for recent health inspections in St. Johns County, Florida, for the week of Aug. 21-27, 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 St. Johns County restaurant inspection site.
Which St. Johns County restaurants got perfect scores on their health inspections?
These restaurants met all standards during their Aug. 21-27 inspections and no violations were found.
Crabby's Beachside , 361 A1a Beach Blvd, Saint Augustine Beach**
Ichiban Buffet, 2185 US Hwy 1 S, St Augustine**
Latin Soul Grille, Mobile food dispensing vehicle
St Marys Seafood & More, 705 Horton's Trace, Saint Augustine**
The Floridian, 72 Spanish St, Saint Augustine**
The Sweet Spot, 32 Saint George St, Saint Augustine**
** Restaurants that failed an inspection and aced a follow-up inspection in the same week
Which St. Johns County restaurants were temporarily closed by inspectors?
These restaurants failed their Aug. 21-27 inspections and were temporarily closed. Follow-upinspections are required.
Saltwater Cowboys
299 Dondanville Rd, Saint Augustine
Complaint Inspection on Aug. 23
Facility Temporarily Closed: Operations ordered stopped until violations are corrected.
22 total violations, with 8 high-priority violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Approximately 30 live flying insects in server area near ice urns Approximately 6 live flying insects in bar area Approximately 3 live flying insects in dish area Approximately 3 live flying insects on cook line **Warning**
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Business license expired June 1st 2023 **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Pesticide-emitting strip present in food prep area. Pesticide strips hanging from shelf on cook line. Manager voluntarily discarded strip. **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw beef and raw steak stored over opened case of cooked crab legs in walk in freezer. Reviewed proper food storage with manager
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach by dish area **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. sour cream (73F) stored on top of ice at room temperature on cook line near expo window. Manager stated sour cream was taking out of the cooler 15 minutes ago. Manager moved sour cream back to walk in cooler. coleslaw (44F) stored in stand alone double door cooler at the end of the cook line. Cooler has an ambient temperature of 45F. Manger stated food was moved to cooler from walk in cooler 10 minutes ago. Manager placed a bag of ice on food. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink added spitter on non chemical side. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Dish area sanitizer bucket solution at 1130ppm with sink and surface sanitizer. Per test strip chart sanitizing solution should be at 700ppm. Manager remade solution to 700ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
St Marys Seafood & More
705 Horton's Trace, Saint Augustine
Routine Inspection on Aug. 24
Facility Temporarily Closed: Operations ordered stopped until violations are corrected.
12 total violations, with 5 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. On the main kitchen line under the heat lamp, baked potatoes (72F - Cooling) stored cooling over night. Per operator baked potatoes are to be discarded in the morning.
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Ant pesticide pellets stored on the floor by the bulk ice bin and rear exterior door.
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. In the reach in cooler on the main cook line, raw ground beef over raw crab cake mixture. Operator relocated the beef to the bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. In the dry storage room closest to the bulk ice bin and office area, 35 rodent droppings observed on the floor under the dry storage shelves, 3 rodent droppings observed on cardboard boxes and cans on the dry storage shelves. Observed 3 rodent droppings at the entry from dry storage to the liquor room. Observed 4 rodent droppings on the middle prep table closest to the back door on the lower shelves. Operator began to sweep and discard the rodent droppings. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. On the main kitchen line under the heat lamp, baked potatoes (72F - Cooling) stored cooling over night. Per operator baked potatoes are to be discarded in the morning.
Which St. Johns County restaurants had high priority violations?
Al's Pizza
635 A1a North, Ponte Vedra Beach
Routine Inspection on Aug. 23
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
10 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Pizza by the slice missing product time tracking for when placed on time as public health control. Operator wrote down the time on the hanging chart board. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Crabby's Beachside
361 A1a Beach Blvd, Saint Augustine Beac
Complaint Inspection on Aug. 22
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
19 total violations, with 9 high-priority violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. At prep area, 1 employee did not wash hands before putting on gloves. Employee washed hands after we corrected them. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed cook on line go into dish room and back to cook line with same gloves on and grab food without washing his hands and changing gloves 1st. Addressed immediately and he washed hand and placed gloves on. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 2 flies in kitchen prep area. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. In walk-in cooler; raw hamburger patties over raw fish. Person in Charge moved burger to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. At expo line, 2 employees on food expo did not change gloves between tasks. We corrected employee and she washed her hands and changed her gloves. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. All fish, oysters, clams, lobster and fish dip in floating dirty ice in cooler 13 and 14.
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In cooler# 12; cheese 51, 53F, pico 51F, burgers 45F-47F, eggs rolls 52F; ( - Cold Holding) In cooler #15; creamer 51F; ( - Cold Holding) In cooler #16; oysters 45F, fish dip 45F, short rib mac and cheese 49F; ( - Cold Holding) In walk-in cooler; Mahi 44F, 49F, grouper 65F, lobster 47F, pasta 44F, shrimp 50F, chicken 45F, mac and cheese and cheese 49F; ( - Cold Holding). Reach-in cooler #4; cheese 43F, oysters 55F; ( - Cold Holding) All items issued stop sale. 4+ hours. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler# 12; cheese 51, 53F, pico 51F, burgers 45F-47F, eggs rolls 52F; ( - Cold Holding) In cooler #15; creamer 51F; ( - Cold Holding) In cooler #16; oysters 45F, fish dip 45F, short rib mac and cheese 49F; ( - Cold Holding) In walk-in cooler; Mahi 44F, 49F, grouper 65F, lobster 47F, pasta 44F, shrimp 50F, chicken 45F, mac and cheese and cheese 49F; ( - Cold Holding). All items issued stop sale. 4+ hours. * Reach-in cooler #3; lettuce 45F; ( - Cold Holding) Reach-in cooler #4; oysters 55F; ( - Cold Holding) **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter 107F. Hot holding 3+ hours., butter discarded.
Doubletree St. Augustine
116 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine
Routine Inspection on Aug. 25
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
12 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed house made jalapeños ranch date marked 7/10. Person in charge disposed of product. Observed house made stew date marked 8/15 in walk-in cooler. Person in charge disposed of product. **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed half n half (54F - Cold Holding) left out on counter to fill buffet carafe no more than 20 min per person in charge. Person in charge placed in glass door reach in cooler. Observed butter chips (54F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (55F - Cold Holding); Greek yogurt (52F - Cold Holding) on cold buffet and not on time. Person in charge added to time paper work and disposed of product used today. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Inn on Charlotte Bed and Breakfast
52 Charlotte St, Saint Augustine
Routine Inspection on Aug. 21
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
9 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations
High Priority - Employee washed hands with no soap. Observed food employee wash hands without soap. Immediately discussed with employee and they rewashed hands with soap. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed following food kept on time per time paper work not disposed of at end of time. cut tomatoes (63F - Cold Holding); cut melon (64F - Cold Holding); ambient raw shell (68F - Cold Holding)
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food held using time as a public health control not discarded at the end of the 4-hour/6-hour period. See stop sale. cut tomatoes (63F - Cold Holding); cut melon (64F - Cold Holding); ambient raw shell (68F - Cold Holding) All on time paper work not disposed of. Food employee wrapped up food and placed in refrigerator. Food employee is new, person in charge had discussion and threw food away. **Corrective Action Taken**
Kamiya 86
2 Fairfield Blvd Ste 8, Ponte Vedra Beach
Routine Inspection on Aug. 23
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
23 total violations, with 5 high-priority violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee behind the sushi bar counter place on gloves to begin working with food with no hand wash before placing on gloves.
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Plastic grocery bag used in direct contact with noodles in the reach in cooler opposite the wok station. Operator removed the noodles from the plastic grocery bag. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Ortho home pesticide stored on the floor of the warewashing area.
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In the standup reach in freezer, raw shrimp in plastic wrap of ready to eat containers of ice cream. In the walk in freezer raw chicken on sheet tray over ready to eat dumping a on the speed rack. Employees rearranged the standup reach in freezer. **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In the flip top reach in cooler on the main cook line, raw chicken skewers over open container of ready to eat hoisin sauce. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Kekes Breakfast Cafe
135 Jenkins St, St Augustine
Routine Inspection on Aug. 25
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
21 total violations, with 8 high-priority violations
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. At cook line, employee cracked raw shell eggs bare handed, then again with gloves, then handled clean dishes and single service items without washing hands in between tasks. Manager spoke with employee, employee washed hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
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. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Approximately 6 live flying insects at mop sink in back of dish area. Approximately 4 live flying insects in dish area by triple sink. Approximately 6 flying insects in dish area by ice bin and hand washing sink. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 6/01/2023 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. At flip top cooler near waffle station, cottage cheese 47F. No one knows how long cottage cheese has been out of temperature. Operator voluntarily threw cottage cheese away.
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At flip top cooler near waffle station, sitting out on cooler, cream cheese 71F. Operator stated cream cheese was left out for less than an hour. Operator placed cream cheese back in reach-in cooler. At flip top cooler near waffle station, cottage cheese 47F. No one knows how long cottage cheese has been out of temperature. Operator voluntarily threw cottage cheese away. **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemical spray bottles of table cleaner stored by Togo containers in both ends of server stations. Employee moved bottle to bottom shelf. Chemical spray bottle stored by clean dishes in dish pit. Employee moved bottle to bottom shelf. Chemical bottle of blue liquid stored next to hot sauce bottles and maple syrup on server station. Employee moved bottle to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose Bibb at mop sink at back of dish area.
Larry's Giant Subs
830-6 Aia North, Ponte Vedra Beach
Routine Inspection on Aug. 23
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
7 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Household ortho pesticide spray stored under the three compartment sink.
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In the flip top reach in cooler closest to the cash register area, chicken salad (46F - Cold Holding); tuna salad (51F - Cold Holding) both items stored in the top portion of the reach in cooler above the cooling plane during the rush prior to inspection. Operator placed both containers back into the reach in cooler to bring back to temperature range. Discussed alternative storage solutions with the operator. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Mango Mango's Beachside Bar & Grill
700 A1a Beach Blvd, Saint Augustine Bch
Routine Inspection on Aug. 21
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
21 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In reach in cooler at bar area, blue cheese dressing (58F - Cold Holding); house dressing (48F - Cold Holding); ranch (55F - Cold Holding) **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At flip top reach in cooler at cook line pass thru, sour cream (51 F - Cold Holding), cheese (54F - Cold Holding). Item out less than 4 hours per employee, opened for busy lunch. On top of reach-in freezer, at make line in pumps held on ice dipping sauce (48F - Cold Holding); colada sauce (51F - Cold Holding). Per employee, out less than 4 hours, ice bath not touching container, ice added to container. In walk-in cooler, pork (50F - Cold Holding); dipping sauce (48F - Cold Holding); shrimp (52F - Cold Holding); fish (49F - Cold Holding). Walk-in cooler opened for prep and lunch rush. In reach-in cooler by bar area, blue cheese dressing (58F - Cold Holding); house dressing (48F - Cold Holding); ranch (55F - Cold Holding) **Warning**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. In outside storage shed, dumpster cleaner and insect pesticide stored on shelf above oil.
Mango Mango's Beachside Bar & Grill
700 A1a Beach Blvd, Saint Augustine Bch
Routine Inspection on Aug. 22
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 - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In reach in cooler at bar area, blue cheese dressing (58F - Cold Holding); house dressing (48F - Cold Holding); ranch (55F - Cold Holding) **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-22: Blue cheese 44F. **Admin Complaint**
Mojos Taco
551 Anastasia Blvd, Saint Augustine
Complaint Inspection on Aug. 24
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 - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source. See Stop Sale. At time of inspection establishment has 6 kegs of kombucha and no invoice available to prove the product is from an approved source. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-26: At time of follow up inspection establishment waiting for response from kombucha provider. Establishment not selling kombucha until receiving necessary information from the provider. More time needed to provide invoice. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-24: Eight kegs of kombucha on site at time of callback. Operator unable to provide proof that kombucha is produced in a regulated facility. Kombucha is purchased from "Kombucha King" **Time Extended**
Panera Bread #1432
600 Tingle Ct, Saint Augustine
Routine Inspection on Aug. 23
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
12 total violations, with 5 high-priority violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live flying insect on cook line near near smoothie station. 5 live flying insect in bakery area. 5 live flying insects near dish machine. 1 live flying insect near soda machine near mop sink. **Warning**
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. 1 employee touched soiled hat and soiled apron numerous times and then proceeded to handle food without changing gloves and washing hands afterwards. Employee washed hands and changed gloves after we corrected him. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At flip top cooler by drive thru, ham 45-49F. Ham stacked over the fill line. Operator stated ham was restocked 20 minutes ago. She placed a bag of ice on top of ham to cool it down. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. At front coffee station, milk held under time control not time marked. Milk was taken out of the cooler and placed at room temperature 5 minutes ago. After reviewed with employee she properly time marked milk. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. French onion soup 131-132F in steam well next to drive thru window. Employee stated soup was reheated and placed in the steam well to hold hot approximately 30 minutes ago. Person in Charge reheated the soup to 166F. Oatmeal at 122F on small steam table on cook line across from expo window. Person in Charge stated oatmeal was reheated 15 min ago and placed in steam well for hot holding. Oatmeal was reheated to 165F. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Panera Bread #1432
600 Tingle Ct, Saint Augustine
Routine Inspection on Aug. 25
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 - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live flying insect on cook line near near smoothie station. 5 live flying insect in bakery area. 5 live flying insects near dish machine. 1 live flying insect near soda machine near mop sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: Approximately 3 live flying insects in dish area. Approximately 1 live flying insect in bakery area by hand washing station. Approximately 2 live flying insects in bakery area by ovens. Operator stated pest control had been in yesterday to treat for flying insects. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
Poppys Italiano
832 1 A1a N, Ponte Vedra
Routine Inspection on Aug. 23
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 the walk in freezer; meat sauce (61F - Cold Holding); tomato sauce (53/55/56F - Cold Holding) stored cooling in the walk in cooler since the previous day.
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In the walk in freezer, commercially sealed raw beef over plastic bag of cut ready to eat peppers. Operator relocated the peppers. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In the walk in freezer; meat sauce (61F - Cold Holding); tomato sauce (53/55/56F - Cold Holding) stored cooling in the walk in cooler since the previous day.
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. At time of inspection; lasagna (67F - Cold Holding); egg plant (69F - Cold Holding) stored on the main cook line. Per operator stored on time as public health control, with no time marking. Not on the written plan, inspector provided new written plan and asked operator to add lasagna and egg plant to the procedures.
Saltwater Cowboys
299 Dondanville Rd, Saint Augustine
Complaint Inspection on Aug. 25
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
3 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Business license expired June 1st 2023 **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: License expired 6/1/23 **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. sour cream (73F) stored on top of ice at room temperature on cook line near expo window. Manager stated sour cream was taking out of the cooler 15 minutes ago. Manager moved sour cream back to walk in cooler. coleslaw (44F) stored in stand alone double door cooler at the end of the cook line. Cooler has an ambient temperature of 45F. Manger stated food was moved to cooler from walk in cooler 10 minutes ago. Manager placed a bag of ice on food. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: At call back violation not observed. Sour cream not present. Reach in cooler not in use.
Serafina's Pizza and Restaurant
4125 Race Track Rd #106, St. Johns
Routine Inspection on Aug. 22
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
15 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. On the bottom shelf of the main cook line, garlic knots stored to marinate in chopped garlic and oil at room temperature. Operator discarded the garlic knots. Discussed alternative options for the garlic knots with operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On the bottom shelf of the main cook line, garlic knots stored to marinate in chopped garlic and oil at room temperature. Operator discarded the garlic knots. Discussed alternative options for the garlic knots with operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
Starbucks
95 Cordova St, St Augustine
Routine Inspection on Aug. 24
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
7 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation
High Priority - High temperature holding thermometer did not reach 160F. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired. Observed dish machine reach 155F twice and 158F once during testing. Person in charge called tech to schedule maintenance. Person in charge set up triple sink with quat sanitizer. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
St George Inn
4 St George St #101, St Augustine
Routine Inspection on Aug. 21
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
2 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : 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 dish machine at 0ppm chlorine. Person in charge set up triple sink. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-21: Person in charge has scheduled appointment this week for repairs. **Time Extended**
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed dishes ran through chlorine dish machine at 0ppm chlorine. Person in charge had employee set up triple sink 200ppm quat. Employee soaked dishes in triple sink sanitizer.**Corrected On-Site** **Corrected On-Site** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-21: At call back violation not observed. Establishment sanitizing in triple sink. **Time Extended**
Stir It Up - Sab
18 A St, St. Augustine
Routine Inspection on Aug. 22
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 - Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Under front counter, large bin of lemons had several moldy lemons throughout.
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. At reach-in cooler outside, raw Turkey stored over ready to eat lettuce. Person in Charge moved raw animal food to appropriate shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In hot holding since 8am; rice (124); hot holding, beans (120F) hot holding. Person in Charge put back into oven to get hot **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. To the left of the mop sink, hose Bibb missing vacuum breaker. **Warning**
The Back 40 Urban Cafe
40 S Dixie Hwy, Saint Augustine
Routine Inspection on Aug. 25
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
18 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed dish washer handle dirty dishes then pick up clean dishes and utensils without hand washing. Discussed with employee and person in charge.
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed pan of raw chicken above cooked pasta and house made salsa. Person in charge removed pan of raw chicken. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in flip-top cooler chicken (47F - Cold Holding); cooked vegetables (45F - Cold Holding) Person in charge placed items in lower section to cool. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked sweet potatoes (110F - Hot Holding) person in charge reheated started potatoes on grill. **Corrective Action Taken**
The Kookaburra
647 A1a Beach Blvd, Saint Augustine
Routine Inspection on Aug. 21
Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.
24 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. At reach in cooler near front door, cream cheese spread (47,44F - Cold Holding) Manager stated item has been in reach-in cooler for approximately 2 days. Observed large ice buildup at top of unit on cooling fan.
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At reach in cooler near front door, cream cheese spread (47,44F - Cold Holding) Manager stated item has been in reach-in cooler for approximately 2 days. Observed large ice buildup at top of unit on cooling fan.
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. In back kitchen, chemical bottle stored on top of keg cooler. At front counter, 2 chemical spray bottles stored on top counter. Operator moved to proper storage. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Near takeout window, hose Bibb at hood with no vacuum breaker. At mop sink in back of building, splitter on mop sink and splitter on hose Bibb next to mop sink missing vacuum breaker on all ends. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
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 St. Augustine Record: St. Augustine area restaurant and food truck inspections Aug. 21-27
