GATOR COVE
4076 S SUNCOAST BLVD, Homosassa FL 34446 · 352.628.4311
Last inspected Mar 26, 2026 · 9 visits since July 2023
JUL 24
AUG 24
OCT 24
DEC 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 live in dry storage on floor next to pallet with soda bibbs on it 3 live on floor behind ice machine 2 live on wall behind ice machine 5 live in crack under hand sink on cook line 2 live under three compartment sink
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $960
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024046404 | Aug 1, 2024 | Sep 16, 2024 | $400 |
| 3--2021038643 | Jun 28, 2021 | Sep 23, 2021 | $160 |
| 3--2021027865 | Apr 27, 2021 | Jul 8, 2021 | $400 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Mar 26, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 5 findingsThe state's own report →
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair throughout kitchen in warewashing area and above chest freezers near kitchen enterance.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on shelf above clean equipment and batter mix. Employee moved.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone charging and placed on top of cans in dry storage area and a lunchbox stored on top of cans in dry storage area. Operator moved.
Equipment in poor repair. Two door vertical reach-in cooler near kitchen entrance handles are broken with tape on handle to repair. Not smooth and easily cleanable.
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hoods filters are soiled with grease and in disrepair.
Dec 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed several half and half cartons without labels. Employees dated.
Ceiling is in disrepair over reach-in freezers in kitchen near three compartment sink.
Oct 29, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority4 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in cook line area
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemical spray bottles stored on soda syrup boxes in bar area
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Heavy cream in vertical reach in cooler in kitchen
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink in 3 compartment sink area blocked with floor fan. Operator moved fan.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Christina Kevin
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Multiple chemical spray bottles in bar area
Ceiling shows damage or is in disrepair in kitchen above chest freezers.
Clean ice buckets not stored inverted or in a protected manner in ice machine area.
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach on floor by 3 compartment sink 1 dead roach on floor by ice machine Employee cleaned and sanitized both areas.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Sushi in vertical reach in cooler in kitchen
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back screen door in kitchen area
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under equipment in cook line area
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. No light in walk in cooler
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Alligator in pan in sink with standing water. Operator moved to reach in cooler.
Unsealed concrete floor in walk in cooler.
Aug 2, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Walk in cooler
Aug 1, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 16 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
3 High priority2 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Employee rubbed hands together for 5 seconds
Employee washed hands with cold water. Water temperature 83F
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 live in dry storage on floor next to pallet with soda bibbs on it 3 live on floor behind ice machine 2 live on wall behind ice machine 5 live in crack under hand sink on cook line 2 live under three compartment sink
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Multiple items stored in hand sink on cook line, items removed
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling/ceiling shows damage or is in disrepair. Hole in ceiling on cook line
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice buckets not inverted
Dead roaches on premises. 10 dead on floor in storage room by soda station 14 dead on sticker trap in dry storage room 7 dead on floor behind ice machine 2 dead under hand sink on cook line 19 dead under three compartment sink
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Food stored in a prohibited area. Boxes of soda syrup in AC room in wall way
Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall behind ice machine has hole
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on fryer handle
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Screen door going out side from kitchen has holes in it
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Establishment using shucked oyster containers for cucumber salad
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Walk in cooler
Jul 17, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Dented cans present. See stop sale. Can of black olives heavily dented on seal
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Salmon and grouper filets in reduced oxygen packaging completely thawed. See stop sale.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Fryer basket heavily soiled
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Quaternary test kit
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Blue chemical spray bottle in bar area
Ceiling shows damage or is in disrepair in 3 compartment sink area Wall under hood system soiled with grease build up Floors heavily soiled in mechanical room
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. Salmon and grouper filets in reduced oxygen packaging completely thawed. See stop sale.
Food storage clear container severely cracked on dry dish rack
Food stored in a prohibited area. Bag in box soda syrup stored in mechanical room with exposed rafters and wiring
Ice buckets not inverted near ice machine
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Fryer door handle. Operator removed Ice scoop handle in ice
Nonfood-contact surface soiled. Beverage cup shelf in beverage machine area Gaskets on 3 door reach in cooler in cook line area
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Black mini fridge in bar area
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Walk in cooler
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed carrots and limes stored over deli ham and cheese in walk in cooler
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Jan 9, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 24 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate20 Basic
Show 24 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee changed gloves/tasks without hand wash. Discussed proper hand washing and glove use.
Time/temperature control for safety food required to be date marked is not date marked and time of opening/preparation cannot be determined. See stop sale. Milk not date marked with date of opening, expired 12-20-23.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk not date marked with date of opening. Expired 12-20-23
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle behind bar with purple liquid in it not labeled
Ceiling above chest freezers and prep sink in kitchen shows damage or is in disrepair.
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. Salmon not removed from rop packaging before thawing
Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. Condensation dripping from ac hand,reviewed onto floor in server area storage closet
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Employee drinking from cup with no lid. Operator removed
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee Phone on chest freezer. Employee personal items on dry storage shelves. Operator removed
Exterior kitchen screen door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in kitchen area
Floor/wall under three compartment sink, behind ice machine, throughout server area soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors throughout bar area behind equipment heavily soiled
Floors in walk in cooler cracked, not maintained smooth and durable.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Multiple Broken hotel pan lids
Food stored in a prohibited area. Bag in box soda and single service items stored in ac/electrical closet, open rafters with ducts and insulation above
Hole in or other damage to wall near rear kitchen door, behind ice machine
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored on top of dirty/dusty ice machine between uses
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Lights in kitchen have no shield
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -fan in kitchen soiled -dry storage shelves soiled
Reach-in cooler in server area, small black mini refrigerator and keg cooler in bar interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Stored food not covered. Ice tea bin uncovered in server area
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. No light in Walk-in-Cooler
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Sep 25, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
Recorded at 2804 W MARC KNIGHTON CT, Lecanto — this licence has since moved.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 5, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority4 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee applied hand antiseptic in place of washing hands as required. Employee put gloves on without hand wash. Discussed proper hand washing and glove use with operator.
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. Provided operator with DBPR HR Forms 5030-103 and 5030-104
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. Provided operator with DBPR HR Forms 5030-103 and 5030-104
Unnecessary persons in the food preparation, food storage, or warewashing area. Two young children behind bar area upon my entering the building. Employee escorted them to proper guest area.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. -Hallway storage closet housing single service items and bag in box sodas has open ceiling with open ac ducts and utility lines. -ceiling in kitchen damaged, not smooth and easily cleanable
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. Discussed with operator proper thawing method for ROP fish
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Blue cutting board
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Employee cup without lid on top of chest freezer. Operator removed.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Rear kitchen screen door does not seal when closed, large gap.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -Floor behind line cooks equipment -beneath bag in box station in front liquor storage room -under sink and behind equipment in bar area
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Multiple tiles missing at rear kitchen door
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In ladies restroom.
Open dumpster lid.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Keg cooler behind bar.
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler.
Unnecessary items stored in garbage enclosure. Broken equipment, old carpet, broken furniture
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.