20 Lee County restaurants, food trucks are perfect; 32 fail inspection

Dave Osborn, Fort Myers News-Press
·34 min read

You can use the database to search by county or by restaurant name.

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 Lee County restaurant inspections site.

Here's the breakdown for recent health inspections in Lee County, Florida, for the week of Feb. 26-March 3, 2024. 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 Lee County restaurant inspection site.

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

These restaurants met all standards during their Feb. 26-March 3 inspections and no violations were found.

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

Which Lee County restaurants had high priority violations?

Arborwood Preserve Town Center

11730 Arborwood Preserve Drive, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 29

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

7 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Fish not held frozen before, during and after being packaged onsite using a reduced oxygen packaging method. See stop sale. In walk-in cooler one package reduced-oxygen packaged raw salmon thawed overnight per operator. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Fish not held frozen before, during and after being packaged onsite using a reduced oxygen packaging method. In walk-in cooler one package reduced-oxygen packaged raw salmon thawed overnight per operator. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Splitter added, missing 2 vacuum breakers. **Warning**

Boulevard Deli and Tavern

12220 Towne Lake Drive, Suite 10, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 26

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

11 total violations, with 5 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. Observed chlorine in use, not approved as sanitizer. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Heat strip failed to turn black to indicate the sanitization temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit was achieved on the dish surface and/or high temperature holding thermometer did not reach 160F. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired. Observed dishwasher 142F after running three times. Operator set up manual sanitation in triple sink, quaternary 200ppm. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Right side walk-in cooler raw shell eggs over cooked pork. Left side walk-in cooler raw shell eggs over ready-to-eat condiments , ham, sauerkraut. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. In cook line reach-in cooler across from grill, right side, tuna thawed in sealed packages per operator stored overnight with label to remove. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Front counter open deli case: soft salami (54F - Cold Holding); deli turkey (55F - Cold Holding); Swiss cheese (49F - Cold Holding); pepperjack cheese (51F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (46F - Cold Holding); shredded cheddar cheese (48F - Cold Holding) for three hours per operator. Provided operator with time as a public health control form and explained use. **Warning**

Caribbean Delights Bestro

5600 Eighth St. W., Building 3, Unit 1, Lehigh Acres

Routine Inspection on Feb. 29

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 - Container of medicine improperly stored. Bottles of liquid and dry medicines, chemicals, and personal belongings on shelving with cans and containers food back left dry storage racks main kitchen. Operator separated all items from food. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. In walk-in cooler raw chicken (48F - ambient Cooling) stored overnight per operator. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. In walk-in cooler raw chicken (48F - ambient Cooling) stored overnight per operator. **Warning**

Carrabba's Italian Grill

27220 Bay Landing Drive, Bonita Springs

Complaint Inspection on March 1

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

9 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

  • High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 4 small flies in the bar area, specifically around the beer taps, 4 small flies in the server station area and 3 small flies in the dish area near the hand wash sink and 5 in dry storage and one by the back door. **Warning**

Casa Cabana Food Truck

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Complaint Inspection on Feb. 28

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

9 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Evidence of mop/cleaning wastewater dumped onto ground. Observed Evidence of mop water being dumped on the ground behind MFDV.

  • High Priority - Nonfood-grade hose conveying potable water. Observed orange non food grade hose connected to inlet of water line to water holding tank inside MFDV running to multiple splitter water lines for multiple units connected to tax office hose Bibb next door on adjacent property. **Admin Complaint**

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken and beef stored above tortilla shells and shredded cheese in reach in cooler. Operator moved raw chicken and beef. **Corrected On-Site**

  • High Priority - Raw sewage on ground of establishment. Observed sewage on ground outside MFDV where waste water goes into waste tank. Spoke with operator and they stated they would be more careful when moving the waste water tank in the future. **Corrective Action Taken**

Cuscatlan Restaurant

5612 Eight St. W., Unit 6, Lehigh Acres

Routine Inspection on Feb. 29

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

9 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw chicken over raw beef in large triple door reach-in freezer in main kitchen. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Two door silver reach-in cooler at end of cook line; milk (56F - Cold Holding); cooked beans (48F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (47F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella cheese (46F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken tamales for two hours per operator. After speaking with employees operator states door was open often during busy prep period before lunch. **Warning**

Cuscatlan Restaurant

5612 Eighth St. W., Unit 6, Lehigh Acres

Routine Inspection on March 1

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

3 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

  • High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Two door silver reach-in cooler at end of cook line; milk (56F - Cold Holding); cooked beans (48F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (47F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella cheese (46F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken tamales for two hours per operator. After speaking with employees operator states door was open often during busy prep period before lunch. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-01: Two door silver reach-in cooler at end of cook line: cooked black beans 45F co,d holding, cooked mashed beans 44F cold holding, fresh cooked tomatoes salsa 50F cold holding, cooked yucca 45F cold holding, per operator for 5 and a half hours. See stop sale **Admin Complaint**

El Grand Taco Loco

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Routine Inspection on Feb. 28

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

16 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 12-1-2021. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed packages of raw ground beef stored over a case of peppers in glass front reach in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Raw sewage on ground of establishment. Observed raw sewage around external grey water tank. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee change gloves without washing hands. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

El Sauce Latin Grill

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Complaint Inspection on Feb. 28

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 - Establishment operating without an approved sewage system. Observed unit's wastewater system hooked up to PVC pipe that is buried in the ground. Operator disconnected from system and utilizing the tank that is built into this unit. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Nonfood-grade hose conveying potable water. Observed non food grade hose hooked up to clean water tank on food truck. **Warning**

Fiddlesticks Country Club (Main)

15391 Canongate Drive, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on March 1

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

9 total violations, with 5 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. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm) in bar after running and priming three times. Operator had employees bring dishes to main kitchen for proper sanitation **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Fish not held frozen before, during and after being packaged onsite using a reduced oxygen packaging method. See stop sale. Observed in reach-in cooler drawers at corner of prep area reduced-oxygen packaged raw salmon and grouper packed on site, fully thawed. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In walk-in freezer observed raw beef over ready-to-eat cooked lobster, no longer commercially packaged. Operator was unable to rearrange foods at time of inspection due to large volumes of food and delivery in freezer. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. In reach-in cooler drawers at corner of prep area, observed reduced-oxygen packaged fish fully thawed in package with label. Also Fish not held frozen before, during and after being packaged onsite using a reduced oxygen packaging method. See stop sale. Observed in reach-in cooler drawers at corner of prep area reduced-oxygen packaged raw salmon and grouper packed on site, fully thawed. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. reach-in cooler right side cook line saute: raw eggs (51F - Cold Holding); raw egg whites (46F - Cold Holding) four under 4 hours per operator. Operator voluntarily discarded the items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

Fogoncito Catracho

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Complaint Inspection on Feb. 28

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

8 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. Operator states they do not use unapproved sanitizer for ware washing. Operator received approved sanitizer at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Mobile food dispensing vehicle's potable water hose not constructed of food-grade material or in a durable manner. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Raw beef in rice in non food grade plastic container. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In reach-in cooler, raw shell eggs and raw chicken over ready-to-eat sauces and cheese. Spoke with operator about proper food storage. **Warning**

Friends Pizza

5612 Eighth St. W., Lehigh Acres

Routine Inspection on Feb. 28

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

12 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 live roaches by far right corner back sandwich prep station on floor. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Tall reach-in cooler salad station mozzarella cheese blocks (45F - Cold Holding) per operator 5 and a half hours. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Tall reach-in cooler salad station mozzarella cheese blocks (45F - Cold Holding) per operator 5 and a half hours. **Warning**

Friends Pizza

5612 8th Street West, Lehigh Acres

Routine Inspection on March 1

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 - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 live roaches by far right corner back sandwich prep station on floor. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-01: 1 live roach in corner of kitchen floor by salad station. 1 live roach under pizza service table on floor. 3 live roaches in crack on wall behind pizza service table. **Admin Complaint**

Great Wall

17940 N Tamiami Trl #105, North Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 27

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

11 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a bottle of Bio Electro above prep table. The medication was removed from above prep table. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. The owner paid License Fees during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef over ready to eat pork in walk-in cooler. The operator moved the raw beef on bottom shelf beside the raw chicken. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**

Green House

13600 Treeline Ave S, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 29

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

4 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

  • 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. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm) after running three times while priming. Operator setup manual sanitation in 3 compartment sink, quaternary 200ppm. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-29: Dishwasher (Chlorine 10ppm) after running three times while priming. Operator observed chlorine sanitizer dripping frond bottom of machine. Operator set up triple sink, quaternary 200ppm. **Admin Complaint** **Corrective Action Taken**

Kumo Six Mile

7950 Dani Dr Unit 345, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 28

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

17 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over cut vegetables and sauces in Walk-in cooler. Repeat 11-20-23 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

La Hidrocalida LLC

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Routine Inspection on Feb. 27

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

28 total violations, with 6 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee handling money and dirty dish then changed gloves without washing hands. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 3 flying insects in cooking area landing on bags of onions and make table cutting board. Repeat 3-27-23 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

  • High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed nonfood grade bag used to keep rice in pan at steam table. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Nonfood-grade hose conveying potable water. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed the following at Make Table: cooked shrimp (64F - Cold Holding); cheese (65F - Cold Holding); dice onions (64F - Cold Holding); salsa verda (63F - Cold Holding); tomato salad (54F - Cold Holding); sour cream (58F - Cold Holding). Observed operator voluntarily dispose of all items. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following at Make Table: cooked shrimp (64F - Cold Holding); cheese (65F - Cold Holding); dice onions (64F - Cold Holding); salsa verda (63F - Cold Holding); tomato salad (54F - Cold Holding); sour cream (58F - Cold Holding). Repeat 3-27-23 Observed operator voluntarily dispose of all items. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

Los Asados Nica

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Complaint Inspection on Feb. 28

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

6 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

  • High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Container for vinegar and onion sauce not food grade.

Los Taquitos Mexican Food Ii

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Routine Inspection on Feb. 29

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 - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **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 chorizo (88F - Hot Holding) in steam table. The operator placed chorizo on stove top to reheat. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**

Melting Pot The

13251 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on March 1

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

4 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. Dishwasher (Chlorine 00ppm). Operator called for service and set up triple sink (Chlorine 100ppm) **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Sanitizing bucket stored next to clean spoon and warm chocolate container. Operator removed correct storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

Pho Bamboo

5100 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 313, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 27

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

9 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed medicine container above prep area close to kitchen entrance. Operator removed correct storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • 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 chlorine sanitation 10ppm; operator set up triple sink with chlorine 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked shrimp 51F cold holding at reach-in cooler. Per operator it has been replaced less than 4 hours. Removed to walk-in cooler; cooked shrimp 43F cold holding. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Insect spray stored next to sugar bag in dry storage. Operator removed correct storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

Plantation Golf & Country Club

10500 Dartington Drive, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 26

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 - 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. Dishwasher Bar (Chlorine 0ppm) after running 3 cycles. Also in main kitchen Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm) after running three times. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-26: Time extension given to allow operator time to repair machine. **Time Extended**

Rock'n Sushi

11940 Fairway Lakes Drive, Suites 2 & 3, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 26

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

6 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired on 12/1/2023. **Admin Complaint**

  • High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw chicken over raw shrimp in tall silver reach-in freezer at entrance to kitchen, no longer commercially packaged. **Warning**

Sazon Venezolano LLC

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Complaint Inspection on March 1

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 - Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. Observed unapproved chlorine sanitizer in establishment for ware washing. Operator obtained an approved chlorine sanitizer during the inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Mobile food dispensing vehicle obtaining water from an unapproved source. Per operator water is obtained from private home residence. Water must be purged from tank, tank rinsed, and potable water from an approved source must be verified by inspector. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. In tall silver reach-in cooler, raw shell eggs ambient temperature 50F for three hours per operator. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach-in cooler raw chicken (58F - Cold Holding) for three hours per operator. Operator spread out chicken into smaller portions and placed in freezer for quick cooling. Also tall silver reach-in cooler hotdogs (50F - Cold Holding) for three hours per operator. Operator placed in freezer for rapid cooling.. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On counter next to grill cooked pork (109F - Hot Holding) for 20 minutes per operator. Operator placed on flat top stove to reheat. **Warning**

Seagrass Sports Grill

18911 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 28

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

5 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

  • High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored by food items. Operator placed chemical on floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

Shoeless Joe's Sports Cafe

13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on March 1

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

10 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 8 live small flying insects at server station by kitchen entrance. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 3 pounds of salmon and 3 pounds of mahi-mahi no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Shredded cheddar (51F - Cold Holding) at front of reach-in cooler front of cook-line. Per operator less than 4 hours removed to walk-in cooler; shredded cheddar (43F - Cold Holding). **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemical spraying bottle stored next to straws at banquet storage area, close to exit door. Operator removed correct storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

Taqueria Bella Vista

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Complaint Inspection on Feb. 26

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 - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee answer cell phone then put on gloves without washing hands. Discussed proper hand washing practices with operator. **Corrective Action Taken**

  • High Priority - Nonfood-grade hose conveying potable water.

  • High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw pork sausage in reach in cooler. Operator moved chicken to bottom during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed grilled onions on flat top in a metal pan at 91F Hot holding for an hour. Operator put on stove and reheated to 170F. **Corrected On-Site**

Taqueria Las Amiguis

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Complaint Inspection on Feb. 28

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

15 total violations, with 8 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. Cooked beef birria (50F - cooling) cooling overnight per operator in glass door reach-in cooler at entrance to unit. Also on counter next to stove birria cooked beef soup (86F - Cooling) overnight per operator. See stop sale. **Warning**

  • High Priority - External hood grease leaking, overflowing onto ground. Operator installed temporary catch for grease and cleaned spillage from ground. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Mobile food dispensing vehicle disposing of wastewater at an unapproved location. Vehicle is connected to unapproved waste water disposal system. Operator disconnected from unapproved wastewater storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Mobile food dispensing vehicle's potable water hose not constructed of food-grade material or in a durable manner. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Frozen raw tripe and frozen raw beef in silver reach-in freezer in direct contact with non food grade to go bags. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked beef birria (50F - cooling) cooling overnight per operator in glass door reach-in cooler at entrance to unit. Also on counter next to stove birria cooked beef soup (86F - Cooling) overnight per operator. See stop sale. Also Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Silver reach-in cooler bottom:; raw pork (47F - Cold Holding); raw beef (47F - Cold Holding); cooked tripe (45F - Cold Holding); cooked beef tongue (44F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (45F - Cold Holding) stored overnight per operator. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Silver reach-in cooler bottom:; raw pork (47F - Cold Holding); raw beef (47F - Cold Holding); cooked tripe (45F - Cold Holding); cooked beef tongue (44F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (45F - Cold Holding) stored overnight per operator. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose connected to truck from water source, no vacuum breaker. **Warning**

Taqueria Las Amiguis

Mobile food dispensing vehicle

Complaint Inspection on Feb. 29

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

5 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

  • High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose connected to truck from water source, no vacuum breaker. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-29: **Time Extended**

The Omelet Shop/Big 10 Tavern

4703 SW 16 Place, Cape Coral

Complaint Inspection on Feb. 28

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

12 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed cook touching face, aprons and pants while engaging in food preparation. Educated cook on proper hand washing and not touching cloths or aprons while preparing food. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw ground beef in walk-in cooler. The manager moved the raw chicken to other side of walk-in cooler with other raw chicken. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken (46F - Cold Holding); raw cod (48F - Cold Holding) in stand up reach-in cooler across from waffle maker. The manager is placing the raw chicken and raw cod on ice. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**

The Saucy Meatball

12401 Commerce Lakes Drive, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 26

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

11 total violations, with 6 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired on 12/1/2023. Operator renewed license at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs over ready-to-eat fruit and vegetables in boxes in walk-in cooler. Operator moved eggs to bottom shelf for proper storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Reach-in cooler glass door by office cooked peppers (48F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding); soft cheese (47F - Cold Holding); cooked beef meatballs (49F - Cold Holding); cooked pork sausage links (48F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (49F - Cold Holding); ham (48F - Cold Holding); ham (49F - Cold Holding) stored overnight per operator. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach-in cooler glass door by office cooked peppers (48F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding); soft cheese (47F - Cold Holding); cooked beef meatballs (49F - Cold Holding); cooked pork sausage links (48F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (49F - Cold Holding); ham (48F - Cold Holding); ham (49F - Cold Holding) stored overnight per operator. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. By handwash sink by salad station. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm) in salad station. Operator diluted the bucket. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant

13021 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 29

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

20 total violations, with 5 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. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Observed no parasite destruction on invoice or letter from vendor US Foods, Inc. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp over ready to eat chicken wings in reach-in cooler across from cook line. The operator moved the ready to eat chicken wings to other side of reach-in cooler beside ready to eat French fries. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed chicken wings (48F - Cold Holding); corn beef (49F - Cold Holding); stuff flounder (48F - Cold Holding). **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw hamburgers (52F - Cold Holding); raw tuna (49F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from oven. The operator placed ice on the raw hamburgers and raw tuna. Observed chicken wings (48F - Cold Holding); corn beef (49F - Cold Holding); stuff flounder (48F - Cold Holding) in walk-in cooler. See Stop Sale **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**

Tung Hing Chinese Restaurant

3605 Fowler St., Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on March 1

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

32 total violations, with 7 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottle of Tylenol on shelf at cooks line above food prep. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Observed employee wiping hands on soiled towel with washing hand before handing clean single service items. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touching hair and face and engaging in food preparation with washing hands. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food in Walk-in freezer. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed can of pesticide in dining room on bench,blocks of rodent bait in dining room on floor and wait staff area on shelf, and tube of roach bait in kitchen on shelf by Walk-in cooler next to package of food. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 20 rodent droppings in corner of dining room by hall way. **Admin Complaint**

  • High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray bottle on bottle shelf at prep table over food. **Warning**

Two Meatballs in The Kitchen

8880 Salrose Lane, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 29

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

15 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations

  • High Priority - Bottles of drink mixers stored in ice used for drinks, far end bar. See stop sale. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Bottles of drink mixers stored in ice used for drinks, far end bar. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In main kitchen walk-in cooler ham (45F - Cold Holding); raw scallops (47F - Cold Holding); raw salmon (46F - Cold Holding); cooked beef sauce (45F - Cold Holding); raw ground beef (45F - Cold Holding); cooked meatballs (45F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); mozzarella bricks (47F - Cold Holding); milk (48F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (47F - Cold Holding); cream (47F - Cold Holding); butter (49F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella (47F - Cold Holding) ricotta (47F - Cold Holding); burrata (47F - Cold Holding); assorted soft cheese bin (48F - Cold Holding); assorted mixed raw seafood (60F - Cold Holding) raw shell eggs (47F ambient - Cold Holding) stored overnight per operator. **Warning**

  • High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In main kitchen walk-in cooler ham (45F - Cold Holding); raw scallops (47F - Cold Holding); raw salmon (46F - Cold Holding); cooked beef sauce (45F - Cold Holding); raw ground beef (45F - Cold Holding); cooked meatballs (45F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); mozzarella bricks (47F - Cold Holding); milk (48F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (47F - Cold Holding); cream (47F - Cold Holding); butter (49F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella (47F - Cold Holding) ricotta (47F - Cold Holding); burrata (47F - Cold Holding); assorted soft cheese bin (48F - Cold Holding); assorted mixed raw seafood (60F - Cold Holding) raw shell eggs (47F ambient - Cold Holding) stored overnight per operator. **Warning**

Wing Stop

12011 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 2, Fort Myers

Routine Inspection on Feb. 26

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 - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical powder container stored next to corn starch. Operator removed correct storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

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 Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers, Cape restaurant, food truck inspections Feb. 26-March 3