LIGHTHOUSE CAFE OF SANIBEL
1020 PERIWINKLE WAY, Sanibel FL 33957 · 239.420.0303
Last inspected Jul 31, 2026 · 6 visits since April 2024
JUL 24
FEB 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 19 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Pancake batter that was made the day before pancake batter (58 F - Cold Holding)
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $660
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2026018138 | Jan 28, 2026 | May 19, 2026 | $300 |
| 7--2025067351 | Aug 14, 2025 | Oct 14, 2025 | $200 |
| 7--2019054747 | Sep 25, 2019 | Nov 21, 2019 | $160 |
Inspection history
6 visits, newest first
Jul 31, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored directly over sliced cheese in reach in cooler on cooks line. Observed operator correct violations in order to meet inspection standards.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Prepared rice and prepared beans, per operator prepared 24 hours prior, not date marked.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Open beverage on food shelf.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone stored on clean plates in dish area. Operator removed phone and cleaned and sanitation plate ware
Jan 28, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed emoloyee load dish machine with soiled dishes with bare hands and then proceeded to handle clean and sanitised dishes without proper hand washing. Discussed hand washing with employee and observed proper hand washing.
Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager Dave, who has been employed over 30 days does not have a valid certified food manager certificate This is a repeat violation from the previous inspection dated 08-14-2025
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled at three compartment sink
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Partial bottle of water on back prep table
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed under water that was not running/dripping. Krab meat thawing in standing water.
Aug 14, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored directly over croissants in large reach in cooler. Operator moved food to proper storage.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On cooks line counter pooled eggs (58 F - Cold Holding) per operator eggs were refilled less than an hour prior. Operator placed eggs in a deep ice water bath to rapidly cool This is a repeat violation from previous inspection dated 02%04-2025
Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Dace, hired more than 30 days prior has no certified food manager certification
Iced tea dispenser not cleaned at least once every 24 hours. Ice tea dispenser has buildup inside nozzle
Feb 4, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. On cooks line, eight each 8 oz filets with a label stating to be removed from package prior to thawing under refrigeration.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Pancake batter that was made the day before pancake batter (58 F - Cold Holding)
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. On cooks line, eight each 8 oz filets with a label stating to be removed from package prior to thawing under refrigeration.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Partial bottle of water on back prep table. Operator removed.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface.
Jul 25, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On steam table, sausage (118 F - Hot Holding) per operator food was fully cooked to 165 prior to placing into hot holding. Operator turned up heat on steam table.
Misrepresentation of a fruit or fruit juice. "Fresh squeezed" orange juice and grapefruit juice does not meet the requirements of being offered as Fresh Squeezed. Repeat from 04-19-2024. As a repeat violation, the importance was stressed with the operator.
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. Narciso and Arnulfo hire more than 60 days prior and no training certificates available
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle containing oven cleaner on three compartment sink. Operator labeled during inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Ramekin used as scoop in container of cut strawberries. Operator removed
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell,phones observed on food storage shelf and on top of cooking equipment. Discussed with operator and phones were moved.
Apr 19, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Misrepresentation of a fruit or fruit juice. Orange juice and grapefruit juice identified as "Fresh Squeezed" and product offered does not meet the requirements.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Doors of public restrooms are not self closing.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit in front beverage cooler.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand washing signs for either public restroom.
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.