SONIC DRIVE-IN 5435
8610 GLADIOLUS DR, Ft. Myers FL 33908
Last inspected May 12, 2026 · 12 visits since July 2023
OCT 24
MAR 25
SEP 25
DEC 25
MAY 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections, climbing. The current grade is the best on record.
Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Floor drain slow to drain near hand wash sink in dishwash area. Operator mopped and cleaned floor and sectioned area off from access.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
May 12, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Men's restroom. Operator called employee to fix.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on outside of cooking equipment.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris underneath shelving in walk in cooler and walk in freezer.
Ice buildup in hamburger reach-in freezer and walk in freezer.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Open dumpster lid. Educated operator on the importance of keeping dumpster lid closed.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Dec 2, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed hamburger patties 109F hot hold. Operator discarded hamburger patties and turned up heat element.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored on table near food items. Operator removed chemical.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed sanitizer bucket stored in handwash sink at togo window. Operator removed bucket.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed water temperature at handwash sink near togo window reaching 77F.
Floor area in front of ice machine covered with standing water.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris underneath shelving in dry storage and in corner underneath three compartment sink.
Grease on the ground and/or pad around trash receptacle.
Open dumpster lid.
Sep 5, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed container of raw hamburger stored over container of raw bacon. Operator switched containers.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris underneath shelving in walk in cooler and underneath three compartment sink.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. Educated operator on defrosting walk in cooler.
In-use ice scoop stored on top of ice machine between uses. Operator removed scoop.
May 19, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Mar 18, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 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. Educated operator on importance of having employee food safety training.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Hand wash sinks near office. Operator provided paper towels.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Educated operator on securing tanks. Operator secured tanks.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. Educated operator on defrosting ice.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease on outside of cooking equipment and hot holding trays.
Dec 16, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 17, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 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.
Floor heavily soiled/has accumulation of debris underneath soda syrup boxes, shelving, equipment, and around CO2 tank. Observed accumulation of debris underneath shelving in walk in freezer. Educated operator on importance of maintaining floor clean.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris. Observed shake machine heavily soiled with food debris. Observed heavy buildup of grease on grill, around fryers at cook line, and on cooking equipment.
Reach-in freezer next to fryers interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Wall soiled with accumulated mold/black-like substance above walk in freezer. Educated operator on importance of cleaning.
Oct 16, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 16 recorded.
0 High priority3 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink near office area blocked by boxes. Operator moved boxes.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand wash sink nearest togo window. Operator placed paper towels at hand wash sink.
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.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents heavily soiled with accumulated grease, dust, or gray-like substance. Kitchen. Educated operator on importance of cleaning vents.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Educated operator on having lid for women's restroom.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 4 dead roaches on floor near shake station.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back kitchen exit door. Educated operator on importance of fixing gap underneath exterior door.
Floor heavily soiled/has accumulation of debris underneath soda syrup boxes, shelving, equipment, and around CO2 tank. Observed accumulation of debris underneath shelving in walk in freezer. Educated operator on importance of maintaining floor clean.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris. Observed shake machine heavily soiled with food debris. Observed heavy buildup of grease on grill, around fryers at cook line, and on cooking equipment.
Open dumpster lid. Operator closed lids.
Reach-in freezer next to fryers interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Sanitizing solution for wiping cloths not free of food debris and visible soil. Operator changed solution.
Wall soiled with accumulated mold/black-like substance above walk in freezer. Educated operator on importance of cleaning.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Jul 11, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 9, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Floor drain slow to drain near hand wash sink in dishwash area. Operator mopped and cleaned floor and sectioned area off from access.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Women's restroom.
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.
Backflow device not located for convenient service or maintenance access. Educated operator on on maintaining backflow preventer at mop sink.
Bathroom facilities not clean.
Buildup of food debris/gray-like substance around reach in freezer door handles.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated grease, dust, or gray-like substance.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back kitchen exit door. Educated operator on importance of fixing gap underneath exterior door.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris underneath soda syrup boxes, shelving, equipment, and around CO2 tank. Observed accumulation of debris underneath shelving in walk in freezer.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with gray-like substance around ice cream dispensing nozzles.
Objectionable odors around hand wash sink next to ice cream machine.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Toilet in men's restroom not flushing properly.
Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. Floor drain near hand wash sink in dishwash area. Operator mopped and cleaned floor and sectioned area off from access.
Wall soiled with accumulated mold/black-like substance above walk in freezer.
Marked exit/path to marked exit blocked. For reporting purposes only.
Nov 2, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Operator replaced batteries.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Operator cleaned ice machine.
Backflow device not located for convenient service or maintenance access. Educated operator on on maintaining backflow preventer at mop sink.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back kitchen exit door. Educated operator on importance of fixing gap underneath exterior door.
Ice buildup in raw hamburger storage reach-in freezer at cook line.
Liquid waste leakage from dumpster onto ground/dumpster pad.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with gray-like substance on outside of door frame at cook line
Jul 17, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 12 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.
Backflow device at mop sink not located for convenient service or maintenance access. Educated operator on on maintaining backflow preventer at mop sink.
Ceiling tile damaged above three compartment sink.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, dust-like substance above shelving near walk in freezer. Educated operator on cleaning vents.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back kitchen exit door.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris underneath equipment in kitchen. Educated operator on cleaning underneath equipment.
Ice buildup in hamburger storage reach-in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, gray/slime-like substance on reach in cooler gaskets on reach in cooler nearest fryers at cook line on tray cart in walk in cooler.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Walk in cooler.
Sanitizing solution for wiping cloths not free of food debris and visible soil. Shake station.
Wall soiled with accumulated gray-like substance in dishwash area.
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.