Last week, Florida state inspectors ordered 14 South Florida restaurants shut for serious health violations, including the discovery of live and dead roaches, rodent droppings, fly infestations, improper food storage, and mold in ice machines.
Among those temporarily closed: a Papa John’s in Miami where a dead rodent was found behind the counter; Smoothie Spot 8st, also in Miami, which had dozens of rodent droppings and unsafe food temperatures; Thai Island Restaurant in Key West, which racked up 20 violations; and a Tropical Smoothie Café in Fort Lauderdale, which was shut down after roaches were found during an initial and follow-up inspection.
All the places mentioned were allowed to re-open following an ordered cleanup and re-inspection.
**PAPA JOHN’S
12798 SW 8TH ST.
MIAMI
ORDERED SHUT 7/15
6 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Dead rodent present. Observed dead rodent behind front counter.”
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 10+ rodent droppings behind front counter under computer. Observed 15+ rodent droppings under pizza dough prep table cornered by wall at kitchen. Observed 8+ rodent droppings under pizza boxes stored next to hand sink next to pizza station. Observed 3 rodent droppings under hand sink at kitchen area. Observed 5+ rodent droppings under cases of single service napkins at back storage. Observed 15+ rodent droppings under pizza boxes at storage area.”
“Live, small flying insects found Observed 10+ Live, small flying insects standing on a lemon sauce pouch stored on storage rack next to walk in cooler.”
“Hand wash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bowl and cooking equipment stored on hand sink next to triple sink. Repeat Violation.”
**SMOOTHIE SPOT 8ST
13810 SW 8TH STREET
MIAMI
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 7/15
13 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 20+ rodent droppings behind reach in cooler next to cook line. Observed 10+ rodent droppings behind reach behind reach in cooler condenser. Observed 8+ rodent droppings under plastic storage shelve across restrooms. Observed 4+ rodent droppings inside storage case on plastic storage shelves across restrooms. Observed 8+ rodent droppings inside side storage box with plastic bags on plastic storage shelves across restrooms. Observed 1 rodent droppings inside ladies restroom behind trash can. Observed 4+ rodent droppings under mop sink. Observed 2 rodent droppings under cold table at front counter.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Butter cups (78F - Cold Holding) under cold table at front counter. As per operator for more than 4 hrs.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed spring mix (54F - Cold Holding); pico de gallo (49F - Cold Holding); corn (50F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella (53F - Cold Holding); feta cheese (52F - Cold Holding) as per operator for less than 4 hrs. Observed Butter cups (78F - Cold Holding) under cold table at front counter. As per operator for more than 4 hrs. Repeat Violation.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sweet plantains (123F - Hot Holding); sweet potatoes (120F - Hot Holding); on steam table at front counter.”
**THAI ISLAND RESTAURANT
711 EISENHOWER DR.
KEY WEST
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 7/17
20 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 3 rodent droppings in dry storage area under shelving. The dry storage area is holding dry food goods and 2 chest freezers holding frozen food. Observed 8 rodent droppings on top of dish machine.”
“Dead roaches on premises. observed 4 dead roaches in dry storage area on the floor in front of food storage shelving at door way entering the kitchen. The dry storage area also has two chest freezer holding frozen food.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Fish (46*F - Cold Holding); cream cheese(45*F - Cold Holding);; Fish (52F - Cold Holding); Fish (50*F - Cold Holding);at sushi counter.”
**MIAMI GRILL
600 NE 167TH STREET
NORTH MIAMI BEACH
ORDERED SHUT 7/16
11 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 5 live roaches coming out of the rice cooker by the back prep table. Observed 2 live roaches by the mop sink. Observed 2 live roaches on the wall next to walk in cooler.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach on the floor by the back prep table. Observed 2 dead roaches on the floor under bun rack in front of ice machine. Observed 3 dead roaches behind the fryers in the kitchen. Observed 1 dead roach by the ice cream reach in freezer. Observed 3+ dead roaches under soda machine. Observed 5+ dead roaches under the dry storage rack.”
“Live, small flying insects found Observed approximately 5+ live flies by the mop sink and 3+ live flies by the dry storage area.”
**OCEAN GRILL
1075 DUVAL ST.
KEY WEST
ORDERED SHUT 7/16
22 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 18 rodent droppings underneath the three-compartment sink, located at preparation kitchen.”
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed Two roaches crawling on top of the preparation table in the preparation kitchen. Additionally, one roach was seen on the wall adjacent to the mop sink in the preparation kitchen, and two more were observed on the wall near the hot holding unit along the cooking line.”
“Live, small flying insects found. Observed approximately 13 or more small flies flying in the bar area near the ice bin and hand sink. Observed approximately 5 flies seen landing on top of drinking straws.”
“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed an employee drying their hands with a soiled, wet cloth and then proceeded to put on gloves without proper hand washing. The employee was coached on proper hand wash procedures. Following the guidance, the employee washed their hands and then properly donned gloves.”
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.”
“Accumulation of debris inside ware washing machine.”
“Accumulation of debris on exterior of ware washing machine.”
“Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tiles missing in the dining room area.”
“Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed at storage shelf above prep cooler in kitchen, bowls and plates stored not inverted for protection. During the inspection employee removed items and placed them correctly.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood system soiled. Observed most of reach in cooler gaskets soiled.”
“Required employee training expired for all employees.”
**POLLO & STEAK TROPICAL GRILL
490 WEST HILLSBORO BLVD.
DEERFIELD BEACH
ORDERED SHUT 7/16
15 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Live, small flying insects found 1. Observed approximately 10 live, small flying insects resting and flying on garbage container and wall at hand sink in kitchen. 2. Approximately 20 live, small flying insects flying and resting on onions in food prep area. 3. Approximately 40 live, small, flying insects resting on canned goods, mops, and food storage rack in dry storage area. 4. Approximately 5 live, small flying insects flying and resting on packaged beverages in dry storage hallway.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood filters above cookline in kitchen. 2. Door gaskets at three door beverage air reach in cooler in prep area.”
**LA DONA
SAWGRASS MILLS MALL
1800 SAWGRASS MILLS CIRCLE
SUNRISE
ORDERED SHUT 7/15
19 VIOLATIONS FOUND
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 11/1/24 (FLYING INSECTS)
“Live, small flying insects found Observed approximately 10 small flying insects at dishwashing area landing on clean dishes and utensils. Approximately 5 small flying insects in storage area landing on pots and pans. Approximately 5 small flying insects in storage area landing on single service items and walls. Approximately 5 small flying insects landing in prep/storage area landing on walls, utensils and open containers of spices. Repeat Violation.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed tomato salsa (56F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (57F - Cold Holding); pico de gallo with tomatoes (57F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (54F - Cold Holding); cheese shredded (52F - Cold Holding); cheese shredded (58F - Cold Holding); queso fresco (58F - Cold Holding); cooked chorizo (52F - Cold Holding). As per operator no food was cooked or portioned today. All food was held out of temperature for more than 4 hours. Repeat Violation.”
“Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee left through back door and upon arrival began handling clean dishes. Educated operator and employee washed hands properly.”
“Hand wash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed in dishwashing area a hand wash sink with a steel wool and a sponge stored inside. Also at hand sink on cook line area a cup stored inside the hand wash sink. Educated operator and items were properly stored.”
**STEAK SHOP & DELI
1801 EAST SAMPLE ROAD
POMPANO BEACH
ORDERED SHUT 7/17
9 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1. One live roach beneath dry food storage rack in prep area. 2. One live roach observed going in and out of wall next to refrigerator in prep area. 3. Approximately three live roaches observed on floor next to ice machine in prep area. 4. One live running across kitchen floor. Operator contacted exterminator during inspection.”
“Dead roaches on premises. 1. Two dead roaches observed beneath prep table in prep area. 2. One dead roach next to ice machine in prep area.”
“Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine in prep area. Repeat Violation.”
**WESTON DINER
4484 WESTON DINER
DAVIE
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 7/18
8 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 5 roaches crawling on kitchen wall, oven and floor.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach near drain in kitchen.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on shelf above grill - hash browns (108F - Hot Holding); sausage (108F - Hot Holding) as per employee item held out of temperature for 2 hours. Employee placed items in walk on cook took for reheat. Repeat Violation.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at flip top cooler in cook line -cooked chicken (47F - Cold Holding); sausage (52F - Cold Holding) as per employee item held out of temperature for approximately 2 hours. Employee stored items in walk in. Repeat Violation.”
**U SUSHI JAPANESE AND THAI
610 N. UNIVERSITY DR.
PEMBROKE PINES
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 7/15
13 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1) 2 live roaches on piece of plywood behind white chest freezer opposite walk in cooler door in back prep area 2) 2 live roaches on floor under white chest freezer opposite walk in cooler door in back prep area 2) 1 live roach on drain line from hand sink going behind upright reach in freezers in back prep area Manager killed, removed, and cleaned all areas.”
“Dead roaches on premises. 1) Approximately 12 dead roaches on floor behind / around white chest freezer opposite walk in cooler door in back prep area 2) 3 dead roaches along top of coving tiles behind bulk rice containers in back prep area 3) 2 dead roaches along top edge of wall section behind upright chest freezers in back prep area 4) 2 dead roaches on leveling board under dish machine Employee and manager removed and cleaned all areas.”
“Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. 1) Floor area around fryers at cook line have buildup of food debris. 2) Floor area along wall under and to the left of dish machine has food debris buildup.”
“In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle in contact with brown rice in bulk container. Manager removed scoop and stored properly.”
“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 upright white reach in freezer in prep area, portioned bags of raw chicken above container of raw steak skewers. Neither commercially packaged. Manager rearranged for proper separation. Repeat Violation.”
“Equipment drain line draining into hand wash sink. Sushi case drain line empties into sushi counter hand sink.”
**ADY PIZZA CRIOLLA CUBANA
6230 PEMBROKE ROAD
MIRAMAR
ORDERED SHUT 7/18
7 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1) 12 live roaches around and inside soap dispenser above handwashing sink in kitchen. 2) 6 live roaches behind handwashing sign in kitchen. 3) 3 live roaches on wall behind rack with clean dishes, containers and utensils in kitchen. 4) 2 live roaches under triple sink in kitchen. 5) 5 live roaches near baseboard next to oven in kitchen.”
“Dead roaches on premises. 5 dead roaches in soap dispenser above employees handwashing sink in kitchen.”
“Hand wash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Pans and pots stored in employees handwashing sink in kitchen.”
“No soap provided at hand wash sink in kitchen. Manager replaced during inspection.”
**TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
1851 CORDOVA ROAD
FORT LAUDERDALE
ORDERED SHUT 7/18
13 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 3 live roaches on wall, behind hand wash sign above kitchen hand wash sink.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach under prep sink at cook line.”
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed accumulation of yellow/ green mold like substance inside ice machine, in kitchen.”
“Hand wash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed brush stored inside kitchen hand wash sink.”
“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.”
“Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.”
FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION 7/19
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. -Observed one live roach on paper towel dispenser above hand wash sink in kitchen. Observed one live roach on floor next to drain under hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator killed roaches during inspection. Not complied.”
**EL BAYU DE WELE SARA
1917 HOLLYWOOD BLVD.
HOLLYWOOD
ORDERED SHUT 7/16
6 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately 43 live roaches inside of gaskets of not in use 2 door stainless reach in freezer in kitchen Observed 2 live roaches on wall above electrical panels in kitchen. Observed 11 live roaches under cook line table in kitchen. Observed 2 live roaches on top of water heater next to ware washing area in kitchen. Observed 3 live roaches on 2 drawer reach in cooler under grill on cook line in kitchen. Observed 2 live roaches on wall at wait station next to ice machine. In kitchen.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed approximately 5 dead roaches on top of electrical outlet lid on cook line in kitchen. Operator cleaned Observed 2 dead roaches in between gasket of 2 drawer low top reach in cooler under grill on cook line in kitchen.”
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout kitchen area under equipment.”
FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION 7/17
“Observed 7 live roaches in establishment.”
**HARAT’S IRISH PUB
100 COMMERCIAL BLVD.
LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA
ORDERED SHUT 7/16
21 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found, approximately; 1 live roach on wall next to 3 door reach in freezer by prep area. 4 live roaches on ground at Cookline next to speed rack used as storage for wooden food boards. Professional pest control exterminator on-site at time of inspection.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris. 1.) Prep area can opener soiled with built up food residue. Operator placed in triple sink to be washed rinsed and sanitized. 2.) Prep area slicer soiled with food debris. 3.) Bar area soda gun nozzles. Repeat Violation.”
“Floor area(s) covered with standing water, by 3 door reach in freezer and kitchen exit door. 1.) Upper level walk in cooler.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. -Frozen fish thawing in food container on prep counter. Under no running water or temperature control. Operator placed under cold running water.”
“Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dish machine.”
“Hand wash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -Bar area hand washing sink used as dump sink. Repeat Violation.”
“No soap provided at hand wash sink.”
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