Roaches, Rodents Force 2 Restaurant Closings

Two Tampa Bay area restaurants saw their doors closed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation last week after they failed to meet standards for health and safety.

Rodent and roach activity were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings.

In its Emergency Closures report for the week ending July 5, the state noted these establishments had been ordered shut until they cleaned up their acts:

Temple Terrace

Terrace Sports, 5311 E. Busch Blvd.

Initial inspection Date – June 29

High priority violations – 3

Intermediate violations – 1

Basic violations – 8

Inspectors noted problems with food storage and found “rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found.” They also noted chew marks on the ceiling and presence of a “rodent burrow or rodent nesting materials.”

The establishment met inspection standards and was allowed to reopen during a follow-up inspection on June 30.

Tampa

Fried Rice King, 6117 N. Florida Ave.

Initial inspection date – June 29

High priority violations – 6

Intermediate violations – 9

Basic violations – 13

Inspectors noted food storage concerns, “live, small flying insects in kitchen,” and “roach activity.” According to the report, “live roaches found. 25 plus on cooks line behind rice pot, 1 live on floor in kitchen, 1 live in dry storage cabinet, 5 live under three compartment sink, 1 live on cutting board in back prep room.” The eatery failed to meet standards on a follow-up inspection June 30, but did meet them on July 1.

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