BACKWATERS
1261 GULF BLVD 129 AND 130, Clearwater FL 33767 · 727-517-7348
Last inspected Jul 16, 2026 · 13 visits since September 2023
JAN 25
JUL 25
NOV 25
DEC 25
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen area. One fly observed on cooks line.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,120
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2021031120 | Apr 19, 2021 | Aug 20, 2021 | $320 |
| 3--2014053432 | Nov 18, 2014 | Feb 11, 2015 | $800 |
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
Jul 16, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Container near empty and would not dispense sanitizer. Container replaced-now 100 ppm.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. 2 prep employees.
Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket on stand up two door cooler.
Stored food not covered. Current cover for ice machine not sufficient. Spoke to operator regarding getting the overhead cover changed out.
Jan 20, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Dec 29, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. No updated plan for outside storage. 2 reach in coolers and 2 reach in freezer are permanently covered with locked access. Ice machine and chest freezer missing cover due to hurricanes. Establishment was previously cited on 11/19/25 with a pending callback due on 1/19/26
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. On cook line
Food stored outside. Two reach in coolers and 3 reach in freezers located outside on south side of restaurant, only protected from overhead Establishment was previously cited and warned on 11/19/25 with a pending callback due on 1/19/26
Outdoor ice machine with no overhead protection.
Dec 22, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 17 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 2 dented cans (marinara/queso) in dry storage area, removed from inventory
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw comminuted beef over raw snapper in cooler Order corrected
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. raw snapper (45F - Cold Holding), placed on ice, redemption 39F
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. No updated plan for outside storage. 2 reach in coolers and 2 reach in freezer are permanently covered with locked access. Ice machine and chest freezer missing cover due to hurricanes. Establishment was previously cited on 11/19/25 with a pending callback due on 1/19/26
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. On cook line
Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. 2 dented cans (marinara/queso) in dry storage area, removed from inventory
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on top of canned goods in office area of kitchen
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone and shirt on top of clean plates over cooler on cook line, removed
Food stored on floor. Cooking oil on floor in kitchen, relocated
Food stored outside. Two reach in coolers and 3 reach in freezers located outside on south side of restaurant, only protected from overhead Establishment was previously cited and warned on 11/19/25 with a pending callback due on 1/19/26
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Multiple hood filters removed for cleaning from above cook line
Ice bucket/shovel stored outdoor between uses. Staff removed
In-use ice scoop for ice machine located outside not stored in a protected manner between uses.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled fans hanging from ceiling over cook line
Outdoor ice machine with no overhead protection.
Reach-in freezer located outside with exterior surface rust
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Raw chicken observed thawing in standing water, removed and placed under cold running water
Nov 19, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded.
0 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Knives store in hand sink in back area.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. No updated plan for outside storage. 2 reach in coolers and 2 reach in freezer are permanently covered with locked access. Ice machine and chest freezer missing cover due to hurricanes.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves in reach in cooler.
Food stored outside. Cover for ice machine and reach in freezer was damaged by hurricanes. Cover not replaced yet.
Stored food not covered. Ice cubes for bar service not covered.
Jul 15, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Outside ice machine missing overhead coverage. Damaged during hurricanes.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Alley stand up cooler where shucked oysters are stored.
Jul 14, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0 ppm.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Scrub pad and knife stored in hand sink in kitchen.
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Outside ice machine missing overhead coverage. Damaged during hurricanes.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Alley stand up cooler where shucked oysters are stored.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Breading cooler.
Jan 22, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Marinara 119f, queso 109f, items put back for reheat.
Sep 9, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 4, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 2 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0 ppm. Service has been called.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Queso 110f, marinara 120f, items placed back in steamer.
Apr 30, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Mar 28, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Ice scoop stored in scoop container holding water.
Equipment in poor repair. Breading fridge gasket torn.
Sep 27, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen area. One fly observed on cooks line.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Slicer.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Equipment in poor repair. Broken lid for ice machine.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Top of door.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Both restrooms.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.