BIG WATER FISH MARKET
6639 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, Sarasota FL 34242 · 941.203.5972
Last inspected Apr 6, 2026 · 10 visits since August 2023
AUG 24
MAR 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
APR 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 13 points better than where it started.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 3 live roaches on bottom shelf of center preparation table in front of expo line.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $460
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025046942 | May 14, 2025 | Jul 30, 2025 | $300 |
| 7--2023057088 | Aug 18, 2023 | Dec 6, 2023 | $160 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Apr 6, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee rinsing dishes in water and no sanitation. Employee set up three compartment sink sanitizer to 200ppm.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 3lb. Tuna defrosted in bag in reach in cooler. Informed employee of stop sale.
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.Observed no paper towels at front counter hand washing sink.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed 3lb. Tuna defrosted in bag in reach in cooler. Informed employee of stop sale.
Food stored on floor.Observed bag of red onions on floor in kitchen. Employee relocated.
Jan 15, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.Observed some tags not marked with last date.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at front counter hand wash sink.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink above mop sink. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed deli container without handle in panko crumb container.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken.Observed rice in cracked large measuring container. Employee removed.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed knife in 70F water at front counter.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed grease buildup on hood filters.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.Observed in reach in cooler between kitchen and front area.
Aug 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed rtu sanitizer spray next to condensed milk on dry storage shelf. Employee removed.
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.Observed many tags not dated. Chronological order not observed for all tags.
No soap provided at handwash sink.Observed no soap or paper towels at front counter and mop sink area hand washing sinks. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed near dry storage entrance. Employee secured tank.
Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Observed duct tape on reach in cooler handles on cook line.
Hole in or other damage to wall.Observed 2" hole in wall behind pre rinse at triple sink.
May 14, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink next to mop sink. Corrected on site during inspection.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Mar 10, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded.
0 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink by mop sink. Chef provided towels.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink next to mop sink. Corrected on site during inspection.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed soufflé cup in tartar sauce and paprika. Observed deli container in panko crumbs. Chef removed all.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed drink in top of reach in cooler. Chef removed.
Aug 20, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing.Cove molding missing outside of employee bathroom and behind clean equipment rack across from triple sink.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.Observed trash on shared dumpster pad and behind dumpster.
Hole in or other damage to wall.Observed hole approximately 10"x 4" on lower wall outside of employee bathroom and behind clean equipment rack across from triple sink
Aug 19, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 3 live roaches on bottom shelf of center preparation table in front of expo line.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding Hushpuppy mix 80F, Shrimp 48F at reach in cooler end of cook line towards front. Employee discarded mix and iced shrimp.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.Observed debris on can opener blade.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.Observed 2 packages of tuna defrosting in hand washing sink at end of cook line. Employee removed to refrigerator.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.Observed at retail counter in front. Employee added towels.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing.Cove molding missing outside of employee bathroom and behind clean equipment rack across from triple sink.
Dead roaches on premises.Observed 2 dead roaches on counter under preparation table in front center of cook line. Manager removed and cleaned and sanitized area.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.Observed trash on shared dumpster pad and behind dumpster.
Hole in or other damage to wall.Observed hole approximately 10"x 4" on lower wall outside of employee bathroom and behind clean equipment rack across from triple sink
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.Observed 3 pair tongs on oven door handles.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.Observed standing water on bottom of 2 door reach in cooler at end of cook line.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed 2 packages of tuna defrosting in hand washing sink at end of cook line. Employee removed to refrigerator.
Mar 26, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer used to sanitize clean in place equipment not at proper minimum strength. Do not use equipment not properly sanitized.Observed triple sink quaternary at 0 ppm. Employee corrected to 300ppm.
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by lack of general knowledge in performing their assigned duties.Observed triple sink with soap in the sanitizer compartment. Dishwasher corrected sink to 300 ppm quaternary without soap.
Ceiling tile missing.Observed 3 ceiling tiles missing above walkin cooler.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed triple tail defrosted and not cut or removed from packaging.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed grease buildup on hood filters.
Nov 3, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bucket in hand wash sink above mop sink. Manager removed.
No soap provided at handwash sink.Observed no soap at hand wash sink above mop sink. Manager added soap.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.Observed CO 2 tanks not secured. Spoke with manager regarding requirements.
Dead roaches on premises.Observed 1 dead roach on floor next to reachin cooler in kitchen at entrance from front counter. Manager removed and cleaned and sanitized area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items.Observed employees hat, clothes stored in dry storage area.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container.Observed ice scoop handle in ice at front wait station. Manager removed.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No sign at hand wash sink above mop sink.
Aug 18, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no vacuum breaker on hose in back of building.
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Observed tags not dated. Educated manager and cooks. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.Observed all employee training expired.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on first Reachin Cooler on cook line with cut marks. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed grease buildup on hood filters. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager.
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. Observed no working light in Walkin Cooler at time of inspection.
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.