Well-known restaurants in downtown Sarasota and Siesta Key were among those that received high-priority violations during recent health inspections.
Manatee County restaurants also made the list, including one in Bradenton where a live roach was found.
Our digital database of restaurant health inspections is updated regularly with the latest information on which Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice area restaurants passed or failed.
You can use the database to search by Sarasota or Manatee County or by restaurant name. You can see which restaurants were fined and which were forced into temporary closure.
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.
Which Sarasota-Manatee restaurants got perfect scores on their health inspections?
These restaurants and food trucks met all standards during their Aug. 10-16 inspections and no violations were found:
- Baldoria, 1528 Main St., Sarasota
- Blue Pineapple Bistro, 470 W. Dearborn St., Englewood
- Buffalo Wild Wings GO, 5245 69th St. E., Palmetto
- The DUO Döner & Deli, 5049 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key
- First Watch, 8306 Market St., Bradenton
- Flanagan’s Pub, 761 U.S. Highway 41 Bypass S., Venice
- Island Fin Poké Company, 5844 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
- Jimmy John’s, 5245 69th St. E., Palmetto
- McDonald's, 8494 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota
- The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, 15150 70th Terrace E., Bradenton
- Rosedale Golf & Country Club Snack Bar, 5100 87th St. E., Bradenton
- Sarasocial, 1990 Main St. Suite 112, Sarasota
- Seaside Ceviche, Mobile food dispensing vehicle
- Subway, 8408 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota
- Whit's Frozen Custard, 5147 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key
Which Sarasota County restaurants had high-priority violations?
The following restaurants were issued warnings or recommended for administrative complaints Aug. 10-16:
Bombón Mexican Restaurant
1118 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota
Aug. 14
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
4 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw bacon stored over cooked beef in the stand-up reach-in cooler next to the cook line. Operator removed the bacon. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottles containing cleaning fluid stored next to to-go containers in the expo area. Owner removed bottles. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Bridges Restaurant
202 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Aug. 13
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
6 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee picked an item off the floor then handled clean equipment without washing their hands. Employee removed the item to be sanitized and washed their hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
- High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands — food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees Fahrenheit 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. Employee handled toasted bread while plating for a customer with their bare hands. Employee discarded the bread. **Warning**
- High Priority - Employee washed hands with no soap. Employee washed their hands without using soap. Employee was informed and properly washed their hands in a hand wash sink. **Warning**
- High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Employee handled toasted bread while plating for a customer with their bare hands. Employee discarded the bread. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged tuna and salmon stored in the walk-in cooler bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced-oxygen package. Chef discarded the items. **Warning**
Bridges Restaurant
202 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Aug. 14
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
Cafe Epicure
1298 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
Aug. 10
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
12 total violations, with 5 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee handled their phone then clean utensils without washing their hands. Employee removed the utensils to be sanitized and washed their hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored in top portion of make table over ready-to-eat food in bottom portion of make table — no complete physical barrier between top and bottom. Raw salmon stored over ready-to-eat sauces in the make table on the cook line. Employee removed the salmon. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Containers of raw fresh in shell mussels and clams stored in the reach-in cooler on the cook line with no shell tags. Employee discarded the items. **Warning**
- High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. All the following items were stored in the walk-in cooler: ground beef (63F - cold holding); pancetta (64F - cold holding); anchovies (65F - cold holding); meat sauce (65F - cold holding); marinara (66F - cold holding); salmon (63F - cold holding); butter (64F - cold holding); chicken (63F - cold holding); raw shell eggs ambient (71F - cold holding); beef roast (65F - cold holding); blue cheese (66F - cold holding); mozzarella cheese (65F - cold holding). Operator stated the items were stored in the walk-in cooler overnight. Manager discarded the items. **Warning**
- High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items were stored in the walk-in cooler: ground beef (63F - cold holding); pancetta (64F - cold holding); anchovies (65F - cold holding); meat sauce (65F - cold holding); marinara (66F - cold holding); salmon (63F - cold holding); butter (64F - cold holding); chicken (63F - cold holding); raw shell eggs ambient (71F - cold holding); beef roast (65F - cold holding); blue cheese (66F - cold holding); mozzarella cheese (65F - cold holding). Operator stated the items were stored in the walk-in cooler overnight. Manager discarded the items. **Warning**
Cafe Epicure
1298 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
Aug. 11
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Daiquiri Deck
5250 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota
Aug. 12
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
5 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed main dishwasher in kitchen 0ppm chlorine after several attempts. Manager discovered hoses were switched and corrected to 50ppm during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Admin Complaint**
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp and mahi over cooked bacon in pull-out drawer on cook line. Manager/operator relocated food to prevent cross contamination. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
- High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 4 lbs. defrosted ahi tuna in vacuum sealed packaging.
Dubz BBQ
4391 Aiden Lane, North Port
Aug. 10
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
10 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation:
- High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sour cream (50F - cold holding); cheesecake (49F - cold holding) in the top portion of the reach-in cooler on the server expo line. The operator stated the potentially hazardous foods had been stored for approximately three hours. The operator placed the above foods in the walk-in cooler. Observed cooked beef (45F - cold holding); cooked pork ribs (44F - cold holding) in the walk-in cooler. The operator to monitor walk-in cooler temperature. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Dubz BBQ
4391 Aiden Lane, North Port
Aug. 11
Call back — administrative complaint recommended. Follow-up needed.
5 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation:
- High Priority - From follow-up inspection 2026-08-11: Observed sour cream (46F - cold holding) in a double container; cheesecake (45F - cold holding) in the top portion of the reach-in cooler on the server expo line. The operator stated the above foods have been stored for approximately one hour. The operator voluntarily discarded the cheesecake. The operator took the sour cream out of the double container for proper cold holding. The operator will monitor the temperature. Observed cooked chicken (41F - cold holding); cooked pork ribs (42F - cold holding) in the walk-in cooler. **Admin Complaint**
The Dugout Cafe
789 U.S. 41 Bypass S., Venice
Aug. 14
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
8 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher machine at 000ppm chlorine sanitizer. Instructed operator they may use the machine to wash dishware and utensils, but must use three compartment sink to sanitize items once they come out of the dish machine and then allow items to properly air dry.
- High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray bottle on front wait staff station counter next to clean silverware. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards. **Corrected On-Site**
K&K Bakery
13665 Tamiami Trail, North Port
Aug. 10
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
10 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over dough in the two-door reach-in cooler on the bakery side. Observed raw ground beef stored over cooked deli ham in the cafe side reach-in cooler. The operator properly stored the raw foods. **Corrected On-Site** **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. Observed cooked farmers cheese vatrushka, cooked chicken bake, cooked chicken pie, cooked cabbage roll, cooked potato roll, and cooked quiche held at room temperature in the bakery display case. The operator stated the foods had been held for approximately two hours.
The Old Salty Dog
5023 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota
Aug. 10
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
2 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dish machine chlorine at 10ppm or below on both bar dish machine and main dish machine. **Warning**
- High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed sanitation bucket in kitchen above 400ppm. Corrected to 300ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
Stefano's Family Restaurant
401 S. Indiana Ave., Englewood
Aug. 13
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
22 total violations, with 8 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed cook handling dirty dishes and then putting on gloves without washing hands. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
- 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 line cook handling and washing dirty dishes, then return to cook line and handle and move garbage can. Cook then proceeded to handle containers of food on hotline steam table without washing hands and putting on clean gloves.
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw salmon and raw sausage in walk-in cooler, stored over cooked and sliced corned beef and tub of coleslaw. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
- High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed butter portion control cups in reach-in cooler at wait staff station in kitchen at 75° cold holding. Observed portion cups of sour cream in reach-in cooler at wait staff station in kitchen 72° cold holding. Operator voluntarily disposed of butter cups, and sour cream cups. **Corrected On-Site**
- High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed butter portion control cups in reach-in cooler at wait staff station in kitchen at 75° cold holding. Observed portion cups of sour cream in reach-in cooler at wait staff station in kitchen 72° cold holding. Operator voluntarily disposed of butter cups, and sour cream cups. **Corrected On-Site**
- 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. Observe shell eggs sitting on counter at prep table by dishwasher area and cook line. No time was marked for eggs, line cook stated eggs have been out for approximately three hours. Line cook moved eggs to walk-in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
- High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food re-served to customers. Observed wait staff removing butter portion control cups from guest tables and returning them to bulk bin tub in reach-in cooler at waitress station in kitchen.
- High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Stottlemyer's Smokehouse
19 East Road, Sarasota
Aug. 13
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
9 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations:
- 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 fish in the right side cook line cooler. Operator swapped them. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in their walk-in: beef (45F - cold holding); chicken (45F - cold holding); shrimp (46F - cold holding). Operator stated they finished a delivery 30 minutes before and showed proof. **Warning**
- High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed soap and hand sanitizer stored over condiments in the to-go counter. Operator removed them. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Stottlemyer's Smokehouse
19 East Road, Sarasota
Aug. 14
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
Sun Garden Cafe
210 Avenida Madera, Sarasota
Aug. 11
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
7 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation:
- High Priority - Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed chlorine at 0ppm after several attempts. **Warning**
Tortas Locas & Bakery
2594 12th St., Sarasota
Aug. 13
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
7 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dish machine sanitizer reading 00ppm chlorine. Establishment stopped using the dish machine, called the technician and set up the three component sink to properly sanitize dishes and equipment. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw pork stored over unwashed peppers in the walk-in cooler. Employee removed the pork. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum breaker on the hose bibb next to the three compartment sink. **Warning**
Village Cafe
5133 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota
Aug. 12
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
2 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation:
- High Priority - Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dish machine chlorine at 0ppm after several attempts. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Wendy's
5741 Clark Road, Sarasota
Aug. 11
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
3 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed machine in use without sanitizing, 0ppm. **Warning**
- High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken 49F in bottom and sour cream 68F in top of reach-in cooler at end of cook line near drive-thru. Manager moved chicken and sour cream to walk-in freezer. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Wicked Cantina
1603 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Aug. 12
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
5 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. Employee handled raw beef then changed their gloves and handled clean utensils without washing their hands. Employee removed the equipment to be sanitized, washed their hands and put on new gloves. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
- High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicken (67F - cold holding); shrimp (68F - cold holding); egg wash (68F - cold holding) were the only items stored in a small top load cooler unit on the cook line. Manager stated the items were stored in the cooler for approximately two hours. Manager voluntarily discarded the items. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
- High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottles of stainless steel cleaner stored next to to-go containers in the wait station area. Manager removed the stainless steel cleaner. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Warning**
Wicked Cantina
1603 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Aug. 14
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
Yummies Donuts and BBQ
2001 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice
Aug. 11
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
24 total violations, with 6 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Observed dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher machine at 000ppm chlorine sanitizer. Instructed operator they may use the machine to wash dishware and utensils, but must use three compartment sink to sanitize items once they come out of the dish machine and then allow items to properly air dry **Warning**
- High Priority - Observed establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. **Warning**
- High Priority - Observed stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed the following items at kitchen make table cooler: 1/2 lb. sliced ham (52F - cold holding); 1 lb. sausage patty (50F - cold holding); 1/2 lb. sliced turkey (50F - cold holding); 10 qt. scrambled eggs (51F - cold holding); two dozen butter cups (53F - cold holding); three dozen cream cups (52F - cold holding); 2 lb. sliced American cheese (51F - cold holding). Operator voluntarily disposed of all above items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Observed time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following items at kitchen make table cooler: 1/2 lb. sliced ham (52F - cold holding); 1 lb. sausage patty (50F - cold holding); 1/2 lb. sliced turkey (50F - cold holding); 10 qt. scrambled eggs (51F - cold holding); two dozen butter cups (53F - cold holding); three dozen cream cups (52F - cold holding); 2 lb. sliced American cheese (51F - cold holding). Operator voluntarily disposed of all above items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Observed 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. Observed raw shell baked sausage rolls in donut display case. Operator stated items had been placed out three hours prior. Operator marked time correctly on product. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Observed toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray bottle on counter next and over paper cups. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Which Manatee County restaurants had high-priority violations?
The following restaurants and food trucks were issued warnings or recommended for administrative complaints due to failed inspections Aug. 10-16:
Butterfields Family Restaurant
8205 U.S. 301, Parrish
Aug. 10
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
5 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dish machine with a chlorine reading of 0ppm. Operators set up three compartment sink with a reading of chlorine 100ppm. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed container of raw chicken stored over ready-to-eat sausages in reach-in cooler on cook line. Employee corrected storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed box of ground beef patties stored on top of box of raw bacon in walk-in cooler. Operator corrected storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
The Doctor's Office
5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach
Aug. 12
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
7 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. **Warning**
- High Priority - Live, small flying insects found. Observed approximately 15 small flying insects in their back prep room. Operator placed a bug light inside. **Warning**
- High Priority - Pasteurized eggs or egg products not substituted for raw shell eggs in foods such as Caesar salad, hollandaise or Bearnaise sauce, mayonnaise, eggnog, ice cream, and egg-fortified beverages. Identified foods made with raw shell eggs must be fully cooked prior to service. Observed raw shell egg whites used for certain drinks without a notification on their menu. Operator states they will switch to pasteurized egg whites. **Warning**
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over cut pineapple at the bar. Operator moved the eggs. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
The Doctor's Office
5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach
Aug. 13
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Ed's Tavern Sports Bar and Restaurant
9588 Buffalo Road, Palmetto
Aug. 10
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
8 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above sliced tomatoes in reach-in cooler on cook line. Employee corrected storage. Observed raw shrimp stored above ready-to-eat chicken wings in walk-in cooler. Employee corrected storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical sanitizer bottle stored next to Buffalo sauce on dry storage shelf. Manager removed sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed wiping cloth sanitizer solution reading 500+ppm on prep table. Manager corrected sanitizer bucket and obtained sanitizer reading of 200ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Fav's Italian Cucina
419 12th St. W., Bradenton
Aug. 14
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
5 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dish machine with chlorine measuring 0ppm. Operator set up three compartment sink with chlorine measuring 100ppm. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
- High Priority - Non-food-grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed non-food-grade paper towels used as liner in direct contact with cut lettuce inside of walk-in cooler. **Warning**
Golden Corral
5525 Cortez Road W., Bradenton
Aug. 10
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
6 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
- 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 in the walk-in cooler. Operator moved the pork. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
- High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach on their dish machine. Operator disposed of it and sanitized the area. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Golden Corral
5525 Cortez Road W., Bradenton
Aug. 11
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
IMG Academy Golf Club
4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton
Aug. 11
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
6 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation:
- High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no vacuum breakers at the end of their mop sink splitter. Reviewed with the operator the proper setup. **Warning**
Joey D's
945 10th St. E., Palmetto
Aug. 12
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
14 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dish machine chlorine measuring 0ppm. Operator set up three compartment sink with a quaternary measuring 200ppm. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
- High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed establishment conducting 48 hour exception on sous vide chicken. Sous vide chicken stored on cook line and walk-in cooler without date and time markings. Chicken was from 8/8/2026 per operator. Operator discarded chicken. **Warning**
Marco's Pizza
5283 69th St. E., Palmetto
Aug. 14
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
7 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation:
- High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed establishment mop sink utilizing splitter without vacuum breaker attached. **Warning**
Popi's Place IV
3911 U.S. 301, Ellenton
Aug. 11
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
20 total violations, with 6 high-priority violations:
- 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 touch beard with gloves and proceeded to grab utensil. Employee removed gloves and washed hands before reapplying new gloves. **Warning**
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer — not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw unpackaged frozen shrimp stored above unpackaged mozzarella sticks in reach-in freezer near cook line. **Warning**
- High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed snapper filets stored in reach-in cooler next to cook line thawed inside commercially processed reduced oxygen packaging. Manager discarded filets. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
- High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following items inside of reach-in cooler on cook line: Pooled eggs (55F - cold holding); blue cheese (51F - cold holding). Employee removed items to walk-in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **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 rice measuring 99F in hot box stored for service. **Warning**
- High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical degreaser stored next to cling wrap on bottom shelf of prep table. Manager removed chemical. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Popi's Place IV
3911 U.S. 301, Ellenton
Aug. 12
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Poppo's Taqueria
212C Pine Ave., Anna Maria
Aug. 10
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
6 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation:
- High Priority - Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed their dish machine at 25ppm chlorine. Informed the operator to call their provider and set up their triple sink. **Warning**
Salt Bar and Table
2519 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach
Aug. 12
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
9 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in their right side make table cooler: shrimp (49F - cold holding); fish (52F - cold holding); scallops (51F - cold holding); cooked vegetables (51F - cold holding); lobster (50F - cold holding); cooked pasta (51F - cold holding); beef (50F - cold holding). Operator states the product had been there overnight. Operator willingly disposed of the product. **Warning**
- High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in their right side make table cooler: shrimp (49F - cold holding); fish (52F - cold holding); scallops (51F - cold holding); cooked vegetables (51F - cold holding); lobster (50F - cold holding); cooked pasta (51F - cold holding); beef (50F - cold holding). Operator states the product had been there overnight. Operator willingly disposed of the product. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Salt Bar and Table
2519 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach
Aug. 13
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Smoqehouse
1701 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach
Aug. 10
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
8 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored in same container as ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef and cooked chicken stored in the same container. Operator chose to dispose of the chicken rather than recook it to 165. **Corrective Action Taken**
- High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over wrapped Cubans in their make table cooler. Reviewed with the operator proper storage. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Sonic Drive-In
8803 U.S. 301, Parrish
Aug. 14
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
12 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation:
- High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
Tacos El Jefe
Mobile food dispensing vehicle
Aug. 11
Call back — administrative complaint recommended.
1 total violation, with 1 high-priority violation:
- High Priority - From follow-up inspection 2026-08-11: Observed in reach-in cooler: cheese (56F - cold holding); cut tomatoes (58F - cold holding); cut lettuce (52F - cold holding); sour cream (57F - cold holding). Person in charge stated they had been in the reach-in cooler for approximately two hours and placed all items into another reach-in cooler. **Admin Complaint** **Corrective Action Taken**
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.
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: High-profile Sarasota restaurants hit with high-priority violations
