CARMELITAS MEXICAN REST
5211 PARK ST, Saint Petersburg FL 33709 · 727-545-2956
Last inspected Aug 25, 2026 · 10 visits since December 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
JAN 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects found 2 live flies in prep area
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2026011994 | Jan 30, 2026 | Mar 23, 2026 | $200 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Aug 25, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -cutting board on prep cooler stained -can opener blade soiled
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. -kitchen back doors have gaps, live flies present
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -in walk in cooler
Food stored on floor. -containers of food and bags of onions stored on walk in cooler floor.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Walking or driving surfaces not maintained. -outside area near walk in cooler has standing water causing accumulation of flies
Aug 24, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Cook handled shredded lettuce with bare hands to "check temperature." Lettuce was discarded with stop sale. Discussed importance of glove use with operator.
Live, small flying insects found. 3 lives flies in bar area 1 live fly in kitchen
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in prep cooler on cookline line- cut lettuce (45F - Cold Holding); cheeses (45F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (43F - Cold Holding); salsa (45F - Cold Holding); sour cream (45F - Cold Holding); enchiladas (46F - Cold Holding); guacamole (45F - Cold Holding) Cooler was stocked around 9:30 or 10 AM, no temperature monitoring was done.ambient temperature was reading 43F. Because operator could not determine how long foods had been out of temperature, stop sale issued.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -cutting board on prep cooler stained -can opener blade soiled
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -cutting board on prep cooler grooved
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. -kitchen back doors have gaps, live flies present
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -in walk in cooler
Food stored on floor. -containers of food and bags of onions stored on walk in cooler floor.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Walking or driving surfaces not maintained. -outside area near walk in cooler has standing water causing accumulation of flies
Feb 2, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibbs in mop sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -cutting board in kitchen stained and grooved, no longer cleanable.
Accumulation of black/pink mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -cutting board in kitchen stained and grooved, no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. -dish machine is dripping water when ran. Operator has pan catching water.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -sides of cook line equipment have accumulation of grease and debris
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -floors and walls behind cook line equipment soiled
Jan 30, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 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. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm.) Operator primed sanitizer and retested at 50PPM.
Live, small flying insects found 4 live flies in bar area near liquor bottles 4 live flies by dry storage outside office 5 live flies in dish pit area Operator killed 10 flies
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibbs in mop sink.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Open jug of milk in walk in cooler opened Wednesday not date marked. Operator date marked.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -cutting board in kitchen stained and grooved, no longer cleanable.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Meat in sauce in walk in cooler has no date mark. Operator date marked.
Accumulation of black/pink mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -cutting board in kitchen stained and grooved, no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. -dish machine is dripping water when ran. Operator has pan catching water.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -sides of cook line equipment have accumulation of grease and debris
Stored food not covered. -cooked corn stored in walk in cooler without cover. Operator covered.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -floors and walls behind cook line equipment soiled
Jul 8, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found 2 live flies in prep area
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled, staff cleaned during inspection
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. AC. Ents over cook line soiled
Equipment in poor repair. Torn cooler gaskets, manager began repairing
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Plastic bins on storage shelves with cracked edges
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container.scoop handle in seasoning bins, removed
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Women's restroom missing hand wash sign
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled hood filters
Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. On cook line
Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Out door walk in cooler in customer accessible area not secured
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed tomatoes over cut lettuce in walk in cooler
Walk in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Mar 31, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on prep table by rear door has food debris buildup
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 plans on file in On Base, operator has an ice bin in bar area no hand sink.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. 10 dead and trapped flies in light control device by rear door.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris through the kitchen area.
Food stored on floor in walk-in cooler out back area.
Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Walk-in cooler out back area not locked.
Jan 29, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 18 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. Chlorine 0ppm in dish machine. Manager replaced chlorine sanitizer 50 ppm
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. Employee handled dirty dishes to back area then went and engaged with ready to eat plated food
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on prep table by rear door has food debris buildup
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 8 employee at time of inspection no CFM present. Manager arrive 20 minutes after inspection started.
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 plans on file in On Base, operator has an ice bin in bar area no hand sink.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. 10 dead and trapped flies in light control device by rear door.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee drinks on prep table on cook line.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris through the kitchen area.
Food stored on floor in walk-in cooler out back area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwaves on cooked line soiled with food debris.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Onions in prep are not washed prior to cutting onions.
Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Walk-in cooler out back area not locked.
Jul 29, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 22 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate19 Basic
Show 22 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 2 dented cans of diced tomatoes, 13 lbs.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef and raw chicken over cooked poblanos in upright single door reach in cooler on cook line.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on prep table by rear door has food debris buildup. Can opener on same prep table has built up food debris.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine in kitchen has mold like substance.
Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. 25 dead and trapped flies in light control device by rear door.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Soiled cardboard on floor of walk in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles in kitchen area are soiled with grease.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket by ice machine in kitchen not inverted for protection.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Cutting boards stored clean in ware washing area have cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee speaker on prep table by rear kitchen door.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting on pans in ware washing area.
Food stored on floor. Pot of beans stored on floor. Employee removed.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handles touching spice containers near rear door.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven on cook line has built up food debris.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning in ware washing area.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee beverage in reach in cooler by rear door.
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Sanitizer bucket stored on prep table above sugar and salt packages.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Soufflé cups above reach in cooler not inverted for protection.
Mar 19, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 21 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority3 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. From dry-storage shelf in prep area cans dented at seams. a. #10 can of white hominy b. Two #10 can of olives
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed servers touching soiled dishes then pick up plates at expo area to serve to customers. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. From walk-in cooler at 11:40am Operator placed in ice bath re temp at 12:40pm a. Chimichanga sauce (45F - Cold Holding) 40f cold holding
Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Wet wiping cloth chlorine solution exceeds 200ppm. Operator refilled sanitizer bucket. Re checked reading 50ppm.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener used more than 4 hours ago soiled. Soda machine diffusers are soiled at wait station.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in expo area. Operator provided paper towels.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Turned hot water valve on at hand wash sink in both men and women restroom, no hot water. Turned cold water valve on ran water for 5 minutes 75f
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
All cutting boards has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Single-serve bowl without handle stored in a container of chili powder on dry-storage shelf. Operator removed bowl.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner located on shelf in warewashing area.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in unisex bathroom.
Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. From dry-storage shelf in prep area cans dented at seams. a. #10 can of white hominy b. Two #10 can of olives
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee glasses stored in a box with chili seasoning packets on shelf above prep table.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave used more than 24 hours ago on top of shelf above steam table soiled with debris.
Light not functioning in warewashing area.
Stored food not covered. From walk-in cooler items not covered. a. Container of queso 41F - Cold Holding)
Walk-in cooler bottom shelf with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Employee removed from floor and stored on bottom shelf of table after changing to clean bucket.
Dec 4, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Emailed to operator
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled
Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Accumulation of dead flies in UV trap on wall near rear door to kitchen
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plastic bowl in chili powder bin
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Acoustic porous tiles over reach in coolers next to dish machine and dry storage
Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roaches behind ice machine, operator cleaned and sanitized area
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Open bag of crackers on prep table next to stoce
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone over prep tables in kitchen
Equipment in poor repair. Damaged screen on rear door of kitchen Broken cooler handle in bar
Food stored on floor. Bucket of cut peppers on floor on cook line, removed
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handles in seasoning bins
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. In use pans in walk-in cooler with old date stickers
Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Beer cooler at bar
Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Walk-in cooler outside not locked
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
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.