State inspectors temporarily closed three Tampa Bay eateries from January 18 to 22, 2016. We’ve listed the restaurants that were closed below, along with details about what inspectors say they found.
Gyroland located at 3313 N. Nebraska Ave. in Tampa
Jan. 19, 2016: Restaurant temporarily closed with 38 violations
Live rodents present: 3 live rodents in hole in floor by fountain machine.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found.
Approximately 5 semi-soft fresh droppings under pizza reach-in cooler, 1 semi-soft fresh dropping on prep table shelf, approximately 5 droppings under reach-in cooler in kitchen, approximately 7 moist droppings under 3-compartment sink, 1 hard and dry dropping under 3-compartment sink, 1 hard and dry dropping under 3-compartment sink, 10 droppings on sticky trap in trash can, 3 hard and dry droppings behind unused reach-in cooler in dining room, approximately 11 droppings in air conditioning closet.
Rodent chew marks present along walls.
Toxic substance/chemical stored by or with food: rodent sticky trap on top of soda bags by fountain machine.
Jan. 20, 2016: Restaurant reopened with 20 violations
Giovannas Pizza located at 303 Main St. in Auburndale
Jan. 21, 2016: Restaurant temporarily closed with 11 violations
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found.
Observed approximately 60-70 live roaches next to reach-in freezer adjacent to 3-compartment sink in kitchen.
5- live roaches found in storage area near mop sink.
12-15 live roaches on soft drink carriers next to 3-compartment sink in kitchen.
Soil residue in food storage containers.
Jan. 22, 2016: Restaurant reopened with no violations
Buona Pizza located at 4705 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach
Jan. 21, 2016: Restaurant temporarily closed with 9 violations
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found.
16 live roaches along back wall nearest the dish machine area and wall between dish area and kitchen.
3 live roaches on wall leading from dinning room to kitchen.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Encrusted material on can opener blade.
Jan. 22, 2016: Restaurant reopened with 4 violations
The following 8 Tampa Bay restaurants received the most violations during inspections conducted from January 18 to 22, 2016
Harold Seltzer’s Steakhouse, 3500 Tyrone Blvd., St. Petersburg, 41 violations
Accumulation of dead flies on 2 hanging strips over the prep table near the office; traps discarded.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Stop Sale Order issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition: whole, raw potato found on dry storage floor.
Tamarind Indian Cuisine, 1241 Fowler Ave., Tampa, 41 violations
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests.
Live insects in MSG container also in sesame seed containers.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 40 dry rodent droppings under dish machine. Operator cleaned up the droppings.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food, stored in margarine on cook’s line.
Gyroland, 3313 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 38 violations
Live rodents present: 3 live rodents found in hole in floor by fountain machine.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 5 semi-soft fresh droppings under pizza reach-in cooler, 1 semi-soft fresh dropping on prep table shelf, approximately 5 droppings under reach-in cooler in kitchen, approximately 7 moist droppings under 3-compartment sink, 1 hard and dry dropping under 3-compartment sink, 10 droppings on sticky trap in trash can, 3 hard and dry droppings behind unused reach-in cooler in dining room, 11 droppings in air conditioning closet.
Rodent chew marks present along walls.
Toxic substance/chemical stored by or with food: rodent sticky trap on top of soda bags by fountain machine .
El Gallo Oro De Tampa, 4007 Fiesta Plaza, Tampa, 36 violations
Stop Sale Order issued due to adulteration of food product: one Cuban sandwich because of bare hand sink contact.
Container of medicine improperly stored.
Employee with no hair restraint engaging in food preparation.
Food stored on floor.
The following potentially hazardous cold foods were held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees: butter 69° cooled to 45°, garlic and oil 70°.
Square One Burgers, 2042 Badlands Dr., Brandon, 34 violations
Stop Sale Order issued on potentially hazardous food due to temperature abuse.
Soil residue in food storage containers.
Dented/rusted cans found.
Salt placed in soiled container/equipment.
Paper towel used as liner for food container: strawberries.
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items.
Vizcaya, 10905 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 31 violations
Employee failed to wash hands before changing gloves and/or putting on gloves to work with food.
Working containers of flour removed from original container but not identified by common name.
Raw animal food stored over cooked food: pork was stored over cooked rice in the walk-in cooler, shell eggs were stored over milk, fish was stored over butter.
Iggy’s Sandwich Shop & BBQ, 1001 S. 22nd St. Tampa, 29 violations
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 10 hard and dry rodent droppings were found in an unused oven in a smoker room.
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage.
Employee washed hands with cold water.
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use.
Columbia Restaurant, 2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, 27 violations
Stop Sale Order issued for the following cold cooked meat/poultry held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees: Picadillo, sofrito, devil crab mix.
Iced tea dispenser not cleaned at least once every 24 hours.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Toxic substance/chemical stored by or with food.
Vegetable chopper/dicer/shredder/peeler soiled with old food debris.
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Inspectors from Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducted the inspections. The department cited violations of Florida’s sanitation and safety laws, which are based on the standards of U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code.
While most establishments correct all violations in a timely manner (often during the inspection), the division’s procedures are designed to compel compliance with all violations through follow-up visits, administration action or closure when necessary, according to the Florida DBPR website.
Related links:
File an online complaint against a restaurant
Search for a restaurant’s inspection report
Learn more about health and safety regulations for Florida restaurants
Read 8 On Your Side Restaurant Ratings articles