BERNIE'S PLACE
3135 18TH AVE SOUTH, Saint Petersburg FL 33712 · 727-687-1478
Last inspected Apr 1, 2026 · 8 visits since January 2024
APR 24
NOV 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
APR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
4 Live, small flying insects found inside employee restroom near rear kitchen exit at front counter. 1 Fly landed on cooked cabbage. Observed operator discard cabbage.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Apr 1, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 9 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Hand wash sink at front counter was not operational. Observed employee begin work with no hand wash. Discussed with manager handwashing and sink requirements.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored above cooked pigs feet in reach-in freezer. Manager relocated.
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. One employee expired.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Manager repaired sink and turned on water line.
Show the remaining 5 findings ▾
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed expired 2023. License is current and valid.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall in disrepair next to three compartment sink.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven soiled.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Hand wash sink at front counter plumbing in disrepair.
Stored food not covered. Raw and cooked chicken stored uncovered in standing reach-in freezer.
Aug 22, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Faucet at three-compartment sink does not reach all compartments.
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. Breon Williams expired 06-08-2024.
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelves of prep tables are rusted.
Hole in or other damage to wall in warewashing area and kitchen.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Gas oven used more than 24 hours ago soiled with food debris and grease buildup.
Light not functioning near gas stoves in kitchen.
Light shield in kitchen area is cracked.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled gaskets on refrigerator doors.
Reach-in cooler in hallway near kitchen interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Jul 31, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 26 recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority3 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 26 findings ▾
4 Live, small flying insects found inside employee restroom near rear kitchen exit at front counter. 1 Fly landed on cooked cabbage. Observed operator discard cabbage.
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee at front counter bare hand touch money from customer then touch single-serve plates and utensils. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques.
Faucet at three-compartment sink does not reach all compartments.
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Can of raid labeled household use is stored near mop sink.
Sanitizer not used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Chlorine sanitizer is mixed with dawn soap in three-compartment sink. Operator drained sink and setup three compartment sink correctly.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 1 live fly at front counter steam table landed on 3 pounds of Cabbage. Observed operator discard cabbage.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. From front counter steam table at 1:02pm. Operator turned steam table temperature up. Rechecked temps. a. cooked rice (125F - Hot Holding); 137f b. cooked corn (131F - Hot Holding) 144f
No handwash sink for employees. No running water at hand wash sink at front counter.
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. Breon Williams expired 06-08-2024.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No running water at hand wash sink at front counter.
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee keys stored on shelf next to clean pans. Operator removed keys. Discussed cleaning and sanitizing area.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Chlorine sanitizer is mixed with dawn soap in three-compartment sink. Operator drained sink and setup three compartment sink correctly.
Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelves of prep tables are rusted.
Hole in or other damage to wall in warewashing area and kitchen.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Gas oven used more than 24 hours ago soiled with food debris and grease buildup.
Light not functioning near gas stoves in kitchen.
Light shield in kitchen area is cracked.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers.
No hot running water at mop sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled gaskets on refrigerator doors.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. 3 Live, small flying insects found inside employee restroom near rear kitchen exit. Flies did not land on food or food contact surfaces.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Pipe not connected to hand wash sink at front counter.
Reach-in cooler in hallway near kitchen interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Jan 29, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touching soiled dishes then retrieving clean dishes without washing hands. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques. Operator placed items into three-compartment sink to be rewashed.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at front counter. Operator provided paper towels.
All reach-in coolers interior have accumulation of soil residues.
Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelves on prep table are rusted.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
Outer openings not protected during operation. Both front doors are open.
Nov 7, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at front counter. Employee provided paper towels.
No soap provided at handwash sink at front counter.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at front counter. Will email DBPR Form 5030-111. Employees Must Wash Hands.
Jun 26, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table next to stove is rusted. Shelf next to three-compartment sink is rusted.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters are soiled.
Apr 26, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee retrieving cash money from customers then serving food at front counter without washing hands. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques.
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/. Steam table located at front counter without hand wash sink in vicinity. No plans on file.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee Lashonda Lawson hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table next to stove is rusted. Shelf next to three-compartment sink is rusted.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Provided operator with DBPR Form 5030-111. Employees must wash hands.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters are soiled.
Jan 12, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee at three-compartment sink washing, rinsing and then hanging meat cleaver without sanitizing. Discussed with operator proper ware washing techniques. Operator removed meat cleaver and re washed and sanitized properly.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. From cooks line on stove and flat-top grill at 1:00pm Operator placed items on gas stove to re heat. Re temp at 1:30pm a. cooked rice (110F - Hot Holding); 157f b. cooked cabbage (129F - Hot Holding) 148f Discussed time as a public health control as an option. Will email DBPR Form 5022-090. time as a public health control
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Reading 200ppm. Operator replaced chlorine solution. Reading 50ppm.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Metal bowl stored in hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator removed container.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen. Operator provided hand wash sink.
No proof provided that recently hired food employee are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 1. Luchana Lawson Will email DBPR Form 5030-103. Employee Health Food Reporting Agreement.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. 02-01-2023
Equipment in poor repair. Shelves below flat-top grill and rack next to three-compartment sink are rusted.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
Light not functioning in prep area.
Light shield missing in prep area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at hand wash sink in kitchen. Will email DBPR Form 5030-111. Employees must wash hands.
Reach-in cooler in prep area interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
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.