GATOR SHACK
4651 US 98, Sebring FL 33876 · 863.655.6000
Last inspected May 12, 2026 · 9 visits since July 2023
AUG 24
MAR 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
APR 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 16 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Four flies in kitchen, not landing on food.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
May 12, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
Observed: Hole in or other damage to wall at preparation area. Priority: Basic
Apr 29, 2026Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Observed: Live, small flying insects found. Two small flying insect in kitchen not landing on food. Operator terminated. Priority: High Priority
Observed: Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen. Priority: Basic
Observed: Hole in or other damage to wall at preparation area. Priority: Basic
Observed: Stored food not covered. Corn dogs in reach in cooler not covered. Operator covered. Priority: Basic
Jan 21, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine.
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. D. H and B.B hired 10/31/25
Frozen time/temperature control for safety food being slacked at room temperature is no longer frozen solid. Raw shrimp thawing in pooled water. Operator removed and stored in walk in cooler.
Hole in or other damage to wall at preparation area.
Aug 26, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. One pound of butter patties in prep area at 72 F. Operator voluntarily discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Grouper (45F - Cold Holding) cut this morning, placed in rapid cooling and was retemperatured at Raw grouper (41F - Cold Holding)
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing in kitchen to fill bucket. Operator removed.
Mar 25, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw fish in water, temperature tested at 66 F for less than 15 minutes. Operator applied rapid cooling in freezer. Fish was tested at 40 F.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing as a dump sink.
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. Fish at 43F in walk in cooler. Operator removed from packaging.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Establishment using wood (other than a hard, close-grained wood) as a food-contact surface as shelf covering in walk in cooler.
Frozen time/temperature control for safety food being slacked at room temperature is no longer frozen solid. Raw shrimp in water at 43 F. Operator placed in walk in cooler near dishwasher.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Shaker can with seasoning on top of onions on cook line. Operator removed.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Raw fish in water, temperature tested at 66 F for less than 15 minutes. Operator applied rapid cooling in freezer. Fish was tested at 40 F.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 21, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Cook was educated and washed hands.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken over macaroni and cheese. Operator removed chicken and stored correctly.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing as dump sink for ketchup bottles.
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.
Equipment in poor repair: reach in chest freezer repaired with duct tape.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding units on line.
Mar 20, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime: cutting boards
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Hole in or other damage to wall at hand washing sink, vent not covered.
Nov 14, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority5 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Four flies in kitchen, not landing on food.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. BBQ pork vacuum packed on 11/8. Operator removed and voluntarily discarded.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime: cutting boards
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Sanitizer bucket stored in hand wash sink at bar. Operator removed.
No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. Operator obtained strips.
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/. Operator added hot water sanitation dishwasher. Operator will need to contact plan review.
Reduced oxygen packaged food lacking bold type on contrasting background, or other required information. BBQ pork vacuum packed on 11/8. Operator removed and voluntarily discarded.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Hole in or other damage to wall at hand washing sink, vent not covered.
Jul 11, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw beef over lettuce. Operator removed.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ E. Tillman 7/9/18
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime, can opener blade. Operator cleaned and sanitized.
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 the Food Reporting Agreement, and they signed form.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Pasta salad in walk in cooler made on 7/8 not date marked. Operator date marked
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. Mahi-mahi at 38 F, operator sliced packages.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust at line.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle at triple sink.
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.