BIG LEE'S - SERIOUS ABOUT BARBECUE
431 NE 1ST AVE, Ocala FL 34471 · 352.484.5033
Last inspected May 4, 2026 · 11 visits since July 2023
5 inspections, swinging between A and C. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live rodent present. Observed one live rodent on a glue trap under triple sink at the prep area. Employee removed the glue trap.
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2024034628 | Mar 19, 2024 | Aug 8, 2024 | $400 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 6 findings ▾
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Large storage pans washed, rinsed not sanitized before storage.
Establishment curing food without an approved Process Waiver from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Prague powder used for curing and production of sausages.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper hand towels at restroom hand washing sink.
Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Prague powder used for curing and production of sausages.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Restroom hand washing sink, 78F.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Dumpster in parking lot.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 7 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee handled bottle of quaternary sanitizer and proceeded to prepare ribs without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. No proof of current employee training.
Ceiling tile missing. Ceiling tile next to office.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Unisex bathroom in kitchen.
Equipment in poor repair. Shelves in reach-in cooler across from prep table cracked and rusty.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Hot water handle for bathroom.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of rub on shelf next to three compartment sink. Employee added label to container.
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 1 finding ▾
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed: the uni-sex restroom lacks a covered receptacle.
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 4 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One live fly in kitchen area.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Splitter added with two hoses attached with no devices located before hoses.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Trash can in front of sink and bin on top of sink. All were moved.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mop in bucket. Flipped over.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 1 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 1 finding ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 35 rodent droppings on floor at the bathroom. Near back door, observed nine rodent droppings around shelves with gloves. At the office area observed eight rodent droppings on floor under desk area. Employee vacuumed all the droppings.
Ordered shut on the spot. 10 violations recorded, 2 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
Show 10 findings ▾
Live rodent present. Observed one live rodent on a glue trap under triple sink at the prep area. Employee removed the glue trap.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 35 rodent droppings on floor at the bathroom. Near back door, observed nine rodent droppings around shelves with gloves. At the office area observed eight rodent droppings on floor under desk area. Employee vacuumed all the droppings.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Sink next to triple sink blocked by mop bucket, employee moved.
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. For one female employee on site picture available, not the original certification.
Drain cover(s) missing. At the mop sink, Employee placed it back.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Reach-in cooler at the prep area, observed Employee food stored above customers food, manager moved.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor throughout establishment soiled, employee started cleaning
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At the employee bathroom, no sign, no soap available.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. At arriving time, front door not attached to door frame, and kept opened, Employee fixed during inspection
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach-in coolers interior soiled, Employee started cleaning
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 2 findings ▾
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Drink and goldfish on shelf over pork in reach in cooler
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Sink in restroom has no hand sign.
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.