HIGHLANDS IRISH PUB
4100 CARTER CREEK DR, Avon Park FL 33825 · 863-658-1035
Last inspected Aug 14, 2026 · 9 visits since October 2023
MAR 25
JUN 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
AUG 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 35 points better than where it started.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed items double panel in reach in cooler and not holding temperature cut tomatoes (44F - Cold Holding); hot dogs (48F - Cold Holding) sliced cheese (45F - Cold Holding). Operator moved items to another reachin and did not double pan to rapidly cool to 41F and maintain at 41F or below.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $600
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025029030 | Mar 31, 2025 | Jun 12, 2025 | $400 |
| 7--2019007144 | Jan 25, 2019 | Mar 5, 2019 | $200 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Aug 14, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken in a pan over container of cheese in the reach in cooler in kitchen, operator moved the chicken.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed grill oven cleaner next to bottle of butter in the kitchen on shelf next to oven, operator moved the butter.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a bucket in the hand washing sink in bar area, operator moved.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on right hand side reach in cooler in kitchen.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup around walk in freezer door.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed 3 ice scoops on top of ice machine in the kitchen which has a dirty surface, operator removed ice scoops to be cleaned and sanitized.
Feb 17, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pan of Californian mixed vegetables not date marked in walk in cooler, operator discarded.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black like substance on the white guard, operator cleaned and sanitized.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket in reach in cooler on the cook line.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up on the walk in freezer door and frame of the door.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave with food debris in it in the kitchen, employee cleaned and sanitized.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed light covers that are dusty throughout back of kitchen.
Sep 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Dead roaches on premises. Three dead roaches in male bathroom stall. Operator cleaned area.
Equipment in poor repair: gasket torn on cook line reach in cooler.
Green cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in ice machine. Operator removed.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Coffee filters not stored properly. Operator covered.
Jun 6, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a can of grill cleaner by oil and vinegar, operator removed.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed the employee wearing rings while prepping food.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in the ice by the soda dispenser, operator removed.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed two tongs on the oven handle, operator moved.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign in the men's bathroom.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets at the reach in cooler in the kitchen torn.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed utensils upright in two containers in the kitchen, operator corrected by putting them down handle up.
Jun 6, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 1, 2025Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 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. Manager stated six employees do not have there training.
Test kit for measuring the concentration of the sanitizing solution not used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or employee unaware of proper use. Operator was using the chlorine test strips to check Quaternary solution in the buckets, explained to the operator the difference.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed black electrical tape over the handle to the walk in cooler door, operator stated a work order was in but could not provide proof of that.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed the wall behind the soda dispenser is a 12 x 12 hole, from water damage, operator stated there is a work order in through Maintenance, operator showed the work order by email.
Apr 1, 2025■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 5 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 75 rodent droppings on the floor in the dry storage area. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings on the window sill in the dry storage area. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings in the corner of the three compartment sink. Observed 4 rodent droppings in the closet where the soda dispenser boxes are located in kitchen.
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. Manager stated six employees do not have there training.
Test kit for measuring the concentration of the sanitizing solution not used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or employee unaware of proper use. Operator was using the chlorine test strips to check Quaternary solution in the buckets, explained to the operator the difference.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed black electrical tape over the handle to the walk in cooler door, operator stated a work order was in but could not provide proof of that.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed the wall behind the soda dispenser is a 12 x 12 hole, from water damage, operator stated there is a work order in through Maintenance, operator showed the work order by email.
Mar 31, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 12 violations recorded, 2 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed two flats of hard shell eggs over cooked taco meat and cooked macaroni pasta, operator removed.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 75 rodent droppings on the floor in the dry storage area. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings on the window sill in the dry storage area. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings in the corner of the three compartment sink. Observed 4 rodent droppings in the closet where the soda dispenser boxes are located in kitchen.
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. Manager stated six employees do not have there training.
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. Printed out a copy for manager, signed by end of inspection.
Test kit for measuring the concentration of the sanitizing solution not used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or employee unaware of proper use. Operator was using the chlorine test strips to check Quaternary solution in the buckets, explained to the operator the difference.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl in a container of sugar, a bowl in a container of flour, operator removed.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach in closet with soda boxes, observed one dead roach behind ice machine in kitchen and observed one dead roach in dry storage area, operator cleaned up.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cook with no hair restraint, operator gave hat to the cook.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed black electrical tape over the handle to the walk in cooler door, operator stated a work order was in but could not provide proof of that.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of beer cheese on the floor in the walk in freezer, operator put on shelve and a container of chicken soup on the floor in the walk in cooler operator moved to a shelve.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed the wall behind the soda dispenser is a 12 x 12 hole, from water damage, operator stated there is a work order in through Maintenance, operator showed the work order by email.
Stored food not covered. Observed Philly steak patties not covered or wrapped in reach in freezer.
Oct 17, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed items double panel in reach in cooler and not holding temperature cut tomatoes (44F - Cold Holding); hot dogs (48F - Cold Holding) sliced cheese (45F - Cold Holding). Operator moved items to another reachin and did not double pan to rapidly cool to 41F and maintain at 41F or below.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed used wipe cloths drying on handsink and sanitizer bucket stored inside handsink at bar. Manager removed items.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at bar. Manager added towels.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Turkey deli loaf in walk-in with no date mark cut first last week on Wednesday. Cook marked to discard by end of today.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Tanks not chained.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean dish ware on open wire rack in kitchen not inverted and subject to dust.
Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. Observed drain line from ice machine leaking on to floor under ice machine.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cooks on cookline with no beard guard.
Ice bucket not inverted on top of ice machine.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed window sill at dry storage with dirt and debris on sill.
Ventilation inadequate as evidenced by excessive steam or vapors in kitchen. Observed grease laden vapors in kitchen during inspection.
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.