Restaurant Inspections: Rodents, Roaches, Holes in Wall

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered emergency closures at three area eateries last week when conditions inside didn’t meet state guidelines for health and safety.

Roach activity, dirty conditions and rodents were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings. In its Emergency Closures report for the week ending July 23, the state noted these local restaurants had been ordered shut until they cleaned up their acts:

St. Petersburg

Antonio’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, 2805 38th Ave.

• Initial inspection date – July 20
• High priority violations – 13
• Intermediate violations – 7
• Basic violations – 19

Dead roaches under the men’s bathroom sink, holes in the wall and failure for some food to be found in a “wholesome, sound condition” raised concerns at this establishment, according to the state’s report. The discovery of rodent activity and live, flying bugs set off alarm bells, as well. Those flying insects were found in the kitchen area with nine “observed on flour and pizza pans at the pizza prep table,” the report said. Flies were also found near the men’s restroom. Evidence of rodent activity was also found in a number of locations in the restaurant. The inspector noted more than 50 dried droppings found behind the ice machine, more near a sink in the bar and “60+ droppings, too many to count, along entire dining room bar area.” Issues related to improper food storage temperatures were also noted. The restaurant was temporary closed following the July 20 inspection, but it did meet state standards during a return visit July 21.

El Gallo Grande, 1625 4th St. S.

• Initial inspection date – July 20
• High priority violations – 6
• Intermediate violations – 1
• Basic violations – 7

A hole in the wall, undercooked chicken and improper food storage temperatures caused concerns, according to the state’s report. Roach activity also raised red flags for the inspector. About 20 live roaches were found on the dish machine, 40 in a storage area and “too many to count” in a dish rack under a prep table. The total of live roaches seen, the inspector said, was more than 90. The eatery failed to meet inspection requirements during a return visit on July 21, but did meet state standards the very next day.

Pinellas Park

Thien Na Deli, 6527 Park Blvd.

• Initial inspection date – July 21
• High priority violations – 5
• Intermediate violations – 4
• Basic violations – 12

Dirty conditions, dead roaches and a hole in the ceiling all caught the inspector’s eye, according to the state’s report. Potentially unsafe food storage conditions, the discovery of roach droppings “too numerous to count all around establishment,” and raw animal foods improperly stored were also noted. Live roaches were found scampering in a number of locations inside the eatery. About 15 were found under the reach-in freezer. The inspector also noted seeing live roaches on the cook line, prep table and near the steam well. The eatery failed to meet state standards during a return visit July 22, but did so on July 23, state records show.

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