SWORDFISH GRILL
4628 119 ST W, Cortez FL 34215 · 941.798.2035
Last inspected Aug 25, 2026 · 8 visits since July 2023
APR 24
NOV 24
JUL 25
NOV 25
AUG 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections trending down, 16 points off where it started.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at the bar: Blue cheese olives (68F - Cold Holding). Operator stated they had been out for approximately 2hrs. Operator placed them in a reach in cooler.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $320
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2016026014 | May 12, 2016 | Jun 20, 2016 | $320 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Aug 25, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Non-food grade paper/ towel used as liner for food container. Observed non food grade towels used to line clam containers on the cook line. Operator removed the towel.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed commercially reduced oxygen packaged tuna not removed from its packaging prior to thawing. Operator disposed of the product willingly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at the bar: Blue cheese olives (68F - Cold Holding). Operator stated they had been out for approximately 2hrs. Operator placed them in a reach in cooler.
Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Observed their clean dishes stored on rusted shelves. Reviewed solutions with the operator.
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
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. See stop sale. Observed commercially reduced oxygen packaged tuna not removed from its packaging prior to thawing. Operator disposed of the product willingly.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks improperly stored on prep tables and coolers. Operator stored and labeled them properly.
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of lobster stored on the floor of the walk in freezer. Operator placed them on a shelf.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed the sign missing from their fish prep hand sink.
Jan 27, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 24, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded.
0 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Observed multiple oyster and clam tags without last day served.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed raw ahi tuna on the menu without a identifier.
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. Observed Cindy A, Christopher F and Matthew S with expired employee training.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed 2 employees engaged in food preparation without beard guards. Employees put on beard guards.
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic bottled water stored on the floor in the bar area. Operator moved water off the floor.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in 3 door reach in cooler on the front line. Operator replaced thermometer
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign in woman's rest room. Operator replaced sign.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in bottom of reach-in cooler on the front line. Operator cleaned up standing water.
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed quaternary sanitizer on cook line at 0ppm. Operator changed bucket. Quaternary sanitizer bucket now at 200ppm.
Jul 10, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed butter packets at 80F. Operator stated that it had been there since 10:00am. Operator voluntarily discarded product. Educated operator on time as a public health control. E-mailed operator copy of Time as a public Health control paper work.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Operator stated that it had been there since 10:00am. Operator voluntarily discarded product. Educated operator on time as a public health control. E-mailed operator copy of Time as a public Health control paper work.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a container of ibuprofen stored on shelf in dry storage area. Operator removed bottle of ibuprofen and placed in office.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed raw tuna on menu without a identifier. Operator added identifier to menus.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a cup being used to dispense yeast in the dry storage area. Operator removed cup.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged in food preparation on cook line without a beard guard. Employee put on beard guard.
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic bottled water being stored on the floor in the bar area. Operator moved all water off the floor.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the underside of soda dispenser in waitstaff area with black mold like substance. Operator cleaned and sanitized the area.
Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lids open. Operator closed lids.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in pantry 2 door reach-in cooler. Operator cleaned up standing water.
Nov 8, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other during preparation based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over fish in 2 door reach-in cooler across from flat top on cook line. Operator removed items to and stacked according to cook temperatures.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed 2 employee drinks on food prep table in kitchen across from dry storage. Operator removed drinks.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up in walk in freezer in back area.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed multiple tongs on oven door handle in front cook line area next to flat top grill. Operator removed tongs.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed food particle on stand mixer in back prep area next to dry storage. Operator cleaned and sanitized mixer head.
Apr 9, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Cleaner on bottom shelf in food prep area. Manager removed cleaner.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Slicer in kitchen soiled with food debris. Employee took apart and cleaned slicer.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees purse and back pack on shelf in dry storage area. Manger removed items and hung on employee hooks.
Waste line missing at soda gun holster. Missing waste hose on soda gun at inside bar area. Maintenance reattached hose.
Jan 19, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Employee dried hands on soiled towel after washing. Employee re-washed their hands.
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee handled phone then clean equipment without changing gloves and washing hands. Employee then washed hands and then changed gloves.
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Establishment using time as a public health control for butter with time marks stored at room in the wait station area with no written procedure. Emailed and reviewed time as a public health control form with the operator.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall in the dishwasher area behind the sprayer hose soiled. Wall above the hand washing sink in the cook line area soiled.
Jul 13, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed in Walk in cooler Raw ground Beef over Beef Steak. Educated Person in charge and emailed Safe refrigerator storage to Person in charge.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on plastic glasses by fountain beverage station. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed over fryers and grill hood filters soiled with grease.
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.