FIRST FLIGHT ISLAND RESTAURANT & BREWERY
301 WHITEHEAD ST, Key West FL 33040
Last inspected Aug 18, 2026 · 6 visits since December 2023
MAY 24
MAR 25
JUL 25
MAR 26
AUG 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
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.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $240
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2022043527 | Jun 24, 2022 | Oct 5, 2022 | $240 |
Inspection history
6 visits, newest first
Aug 18, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 19 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate13 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 19 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw fish stored over cooked chicken wings container at walk in cooler. Employee stored properly.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 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 raw tuna Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label at reach in cooler by across cook line.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at hot holding; pulled pork (123F - Hot Holding). As per employee less than 2 hours. Employee took to reheat.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed by bar hand sink. Employee provided.
Show the remaining 15 findings ▾
Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Observed cooked meatloaf stored inside reach in coolers gaskets soiled dated 8-9. As per chef removed from freezer yesterday and forgot to change date. Employee dated.
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. Observed Johnson Castro Galemo expired 08-15-26.
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.
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 raw tuna Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label at reach in cooler by across cook line.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed green cutting board at prep area.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. By dishwasher.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed by ware washing area.
Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil stored on floor by cook line.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle touching ice at ice bin bar area.
No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach inc older gaskets soiled by prep area and kitchen. Employee started cleaning gaskets.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. By cook line. Employee stored properly.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container with flour at storage prep area not labeled. Employee labeled.
Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed by ware washing area.
Mar 3, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee at cook line touch hair with gloves on and kept on food preparation without changing gloves. Coached employee on proper procedures. Employee then proceeded to change gloves.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 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 tuna still 6 mahi still inside Commercially processed reduced oxygen package. As per operator for more than 4 hrs. Operator segregated.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed; mozzarella cheese (54F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (53F - Cold Holding) at pizza station. As per operator the door is constantly opened for service. Operator put ice for rapid cooling.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can blade opener soiled at kitchen. Operator cleaned during inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed Sani bucket inside hand sink at kitchen. Operator removed the bucket.
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 tuna still 6 mahi still inside Commercially processed reduced oxygen package. As per operator for more than 4 hrs. Operator segregated.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone on top of plastic container with croutons at pizza station. Operator removed the phone.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaging in food preparation without hair restraint. Employee put on hair net.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at washing area.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at pizza station.
Jul 30, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled with food residue.employee washed during inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food residue inside handwashing sink at preparation area. Employee cleaned during inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic container without a handle inside rice plastic container in preparation area. Manager provided new ones during inspection.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed inside ladies restroom.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop being stored on top ice machine. Employee removed, washed, and stored properly.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed interior of oven soiled with grease in kitchen area.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler soiled with food residue in preparation area. Employee cleaned during inspection.
Mar 25, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Sad gun soiled. Manager cleaned it.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine soiled.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Food debris inside oven.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled. Reach in cooler gasket soiled.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet wiping cloth on top of the preparation table. Chef put it inside the sanitizer bucket.
May 21, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Kitchen can opener kitchen area.
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
Probe thermometer not within the intended measuring range of use.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Most RIC
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean.
Dec 12, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority1 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored over cooked empanadas in walk-in cooler. Manager had employee place chicken on bottom shelf.
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. 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. Tuna stored in walk-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items in reach-in cooler across from cook line grill: beef (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (45F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager placed items in walk-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Items in kitchen warmer: beans (113F - Hot Holding); mashed potatoes (119F - Hot Holding). Manager stated items placed in warmer one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager placed items in oven to reheat.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from cook line grill. Blade of can opener on kitchen prep table. Inside of lid for ice machine.
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. Tuna stored in walk-in cooler.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee protein drink stored in wait station reach-in cooler. Manager removed drink from cooler.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Pans stored on shelf across from dish machine.
Food stored on floor. Case of cooking oil stored on floor in kitchen.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall next to walk-in cooler door.
Ice bucket not inverted between uses. Ice buckets stored next to ice machine.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored on top of ice machine. Manager returned ice scoop to dish area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Floor fan in kitchen. Outside of tea nozzle in wait station.
Stored food not covered. Container of creamer in reach-in cooler across from cook line grill.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall behind dish machine.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of salt and pepper on prep table across from kitchen oven.
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.