DON'S TACO AUTHENTIC MEXICAN RESTAURANT
672 E TARPON AVE, Tarpon Springs FL 34689
Last inspected Aug 9, 2024 · 8 visits since December 2023
□ Not on the state's active licence list
This licence isn't in DBPR's current active file, which usually means the business has closed, been sold, or let the licence lapse. Everything below belongs to this licence, not to whoever may be trading here now. The history stays public because it is a public record.
DEC 23
MAR 24
MAY 24
≈ ERRATIC
3 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 4 flies in kitchen 2 flies in food storage area by back door
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
6 cases · $2,680
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024031923 | May 21, 2024 | Aug 20, 2024 | $1,000 |
| 3--2024011694 | Feb 5, 2024 | May 9, 2024 | $520 |
| 3--2022026735 | Mar 28, 2022 | Jul 7, 2022 | $160 |
| 3--2019054610 | Oct 17, 2019 | Dec 13, 2019 | $400 |
| 3--2019011150 | Nov 2, 2018 | Apr 30, 2019 | $400 |
| 3--2018031171 | Jan 23, 2018 | Jul 26, 2018 | $200 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Aug 9, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 12 findingsThe state's own report →
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food in upright refrigerator near three-compartment on cooks line.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Water hose connected to water faucet without vacuum breaker located at mop sink in rear of establishment.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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/. Ice machine at front counter, hot holding unit at front counter with ready to eat hot food stored in it, drink station added at front counter
Show the remaining 8 findings ▾
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. Operator has no proof of employee training.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance on cooks line.
Cutting board on reach-in cooler on cooks line has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table in kitchen is rusted.
Exterior door has a gap at the bottom and top that opens to the outside.
No drainboards or equivalent provided for soiled items and/or air drying cleaned items.
Upright near three-compartment sink in cooks line cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
May 22, 2024Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food in upright refrigerator near three-compartment on cooks line.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Water hose connected to water faucet without vacuum breaker located at mop sink in rear of establishment.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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/. Ice machine at front counter, hot holding unit at front counter with ready to eat hot food stored in it, drink station added at front counter
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. Operator has no proof of employee training.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance on cooks line.
Cutting board on reach-in cooler on cooks line has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table in kitchen is rusted.
Exterior door has a gap at the bottom and top that opens to the outside.
No drainboards or equivalent provided for soiled items and/or air drying cleaned items.
Upright near three-compartment sink in cooks line cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
May 21, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 26 violations recorded, 5 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
5 High priority6 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 26 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 26 live flies in storage area on bag of onions and grits located near rear exit of kitchen. 27 live flies between wall and shelf in storage area. 2 live flies on cooks line.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food in upright refrigerator near three-compartment on cooks line.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee touching phone then continue to engage in preparing tacos without removing gloves and washing hands. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach-in cooler on cooks line at 2:35pm. Operator moved shredded cheese to reach-in freezer. Re check at 3:15pm a. shredded cheese (48F - Cold Holding) 39f
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Water hose connected to water faucet without vacuum breaker located at mop sink in rear of establishment.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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/ CFM Juan Aguirre arrived during inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink on cooks line. Operator provided paper towels.
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/. Ice machine at front counter, hot holding unit at front counter with ready to eat hot food stored in it, drink station added at front counter
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. Operator has no proof of employee training.
No soap provided at handwash sink on cooks line. Operator provided soap.
Cardboard in kitchen used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance on cooks line.
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored below soap or paper towel dispenser exposing the items to drips from people's hands. Clean plates and equipment exposed to splash underneath soap dispenser at hand wash sink on cooks line.
Cutting board on reach-in cooler on cooks line has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on shelf above reach-in cooler on cooks line.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone stored on shelf above prep table on cooks line.
Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table in kitchen is rusted.
Exterior door has a gap at the bottom and top that opens to the outside.
Food stored on floor. Bag of onions and five gallons of cooking oil stored on floor in dry-storage area.
No drainboards or equivalent provided for soiled items and/or air drying cleaned items.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach-in cooler doors on cooks line are soiled
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Rear kitchen exit door is open. 26 live flies in storage area on bag of onions and grits located near rear exit of kitchen. 27 live flies on wall and shelf in storage area. 2 live flies on cooks line.
Reach-in cooler interior on cooks line have accumulation of soil residues.
Upright near three-compartment sink in cooks line cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Mar 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
Recorded at 7097 30 AVE N, Saint Petersburg — this licence has since moved.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 5, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
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/. Ice machine at front counter, hot holding unit at front counter with ready to eat hot food stored in it, drink station added at front counter
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. All reach in cooler gaskets soiled
Dec 11, 2023Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
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/. Ice machine at front counter, hot holding unit at front counter with ready to eat hot food stored in it, drink station added at front counter
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. All reach in cooler gaskets soiled
Dec 6, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee came from outside through back door, put gloves on and started handling clean utensils and to go boxes without washing hands
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee at front counter handling cash then putting food in Togo containers and scooping ice without washing hands
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Employee washing dishes and putting them on drying rack without sanitizing them
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 4 flies in kitchen 2 flies in food storage area by back door
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee handing raw beef, went out back door then came in and started portioning out beef touching clean bags and clean containers without changing gloves
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/. Ice machine at front counter, hot holding unit at front counter with ready to eat hot food stored in it, drink station added at front counter
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employee preparing food with bracelet that is hanging from arm and going into the food
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Dishes stacked without being dry
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave soiled
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. No ambient thermometer in cooler in kitchen
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. All reach in cooler gaskets soiled
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Front and back doors open during operation
Dec 5, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 24 violations recorded, 9 high priority.
9 High priority4 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 24 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Employee cracked eggs then touched tortillas and put tacos together without changing gloves or washing hands
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee came from outside through back door, put gloves on and started handling clean utensils and to go boxes without washing hands
Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee at front counter touched her hair then handled to go boxes without washing hands
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee at front counter handling cash then putting food in Togo containers and scooping ice without washing hands
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Employee washing dishes and putting them on drying rack without sanitizing them
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 4 flies in kitchen 2 flies in food storage area by back door
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef above cooked pork in reach in cooler
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee handing raw beef, went out back door then came in and started portioning out beef touching clean bags and clean containers without changing gloves
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. beef tacos (124F - Hot Holding) 209F; chicken tacos (122F - Hot Holding) 199F; fried pork fat (109F - Hot Holding) 188F in hot holding unit at front counter, employee has cook reheating
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Container stored in the only hand sink
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand sink on cook line, employee put paper towels at hand sink
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/. Ice machine at front counter, hot holding unit at front counter with ready to eat hot food stored in it, drink station added at front counter
No sanitizer of any kind available for warewashing. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until sanitizer is available for warewashing. Owner went to store and came back with the proper bleach to sanitize food contact surfaces
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table next to tortillas
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employee preparing food with bracelet that is hanging from arm and going into the food
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Dishes stacked without being dry
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave soiled
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. No ambient thermometer in cooler in kitchen
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. All reach in cooler gaskets soiled
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Front and back doors open during operation
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Bags of beef sitting out at room temperature on cook line
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.