by Eight restaurants across Central Florida were forced to temporarily shut down last week after state health inspectors uncovered multiple health and safety violations, including live roaches, rodent droppings, and improper food storage.
According to reports from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the closures occurred between July 7 and July 13 and impacted establishments in Daytona Beach, Lakeland, Ocala, Orlando, Ormond Beach, and Winter Park.
Below is a breakdown of the affected restaurants and the violations found:
Daytona Beach
- China Master – 1700 W. International Speedway Blvd.
- Inspection date: July 11
- Violations: Dozens of rodent droppings, one live rodent in a glue trap, two live roaches in the storage room, and food held at improper temperatures
- Reopened: July 12 after meeting inspection standards
- Holiday Inn Daytona Beach (restaurant) – 137 Automall Circle
- Inspection date: July 8
- Violations: Undercooked salmon, seven live roaches under dish racks, and gravy at unsafe temperature
- Follow-up: Four more roaches found on July 11
- Reopened: July 12 after compliance
Lakeland
- Egg Factory of South Lakeland – 6960 S. Florida Ave.
- Inspection date: July 10
- Violations: 17+ live roaches, 20 rodent droppings in dining area, butter stored at unsafe temperature, and 11 other violations
- Follow-up: Five minor violations on July 11, including grease buildup
Ocala
- El Ranchito Food Market – 3334 NW Blichton Road
- Inspection date: July 7
- Violations: Improper food storage, sewage found behind the building, flies inside, improper hygiene practices, homemade desserts stored onsite, hazardous chemical storage, and more than 30 minor violations
- Follow-up: July 8 revealed continued issues with food temperatures
Orlando
- Crazy Buffet – 7038 W. Colonial Drive
- Inspection date: July 9
- Violations: Food improperly stored, 10 live roaches in cooking area, and 26 additional minor violations
- Follow-up: July 11 showed ongoing storage violations
- Judy’s Diner – 5220 Old Winter Garden Road
- Inspection date: July 11
- Violations: Roach droppings on walls, pipes, and wiring
- Reopened: Same day after meeting standards
Ormond Beach
- Imli Indian Kitchen and Bar – 330 S. Atlantic Ave.
- Inspection date: July 8
- Violations: Two live roaches found in the kitchen
- Reopened: Same day after compliance
Winter Park
- Prato – 124 N. Park Ave.
- Inspection date: July 8
- Violations: 20 flying insects found in a bar drain, eight rodent droppings beneath a sink
- Reopened: July 9 after resolving issues
Ongoing Monitoring
While all restaurants have since reopened after passing re-inspections, the DBPR emphasizes that food safety compliance is ongoing, and repeated violations could result in further penalties or permanent closure. Consumers are encouraged to check restaurant inspection histories through the DBPR website before dining.
