TROPICAL CREOLE RESTAURANT
3440 FOWLER ST UNIT C, Fort Myers FL 33901 · 2393137379
Last inspected May 6, 2026 · 13 visits since October 2023
MAR 25
DEC 25
DEC 25
FEB 26
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach behind reach in cooler in dry storage area. The operator removed the live roach.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $1,520
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025090607 | Dec 18, 2025 | Feb 26, 2026 | $400 |
| 7--2022004636 | Jan 25, 2022 | Feb 25, 2022 | $400 |
| 7--2019061363 | Dec 2, 2019 | Jan 14, 2020 | $400 |
| 7--2017003824 | Jan 6, 2017 | Feb 8, 2017 | $320 |
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
May 6, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 9 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut cabbage slaw (79F - Cold Holding) at front counter, operator states has been prepared less than 1 hour and place in reach in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed boiled plantains (103F - Hot Holding) at front counter, the operator placed on stove to reheat to 135 or above.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink near exit door.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Show the remaining 5 findings ▾
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed fried plantain (75F - Hot Holding) near fryers in kitchen. The operator says they are used or discarded in 4 hours but has no written plan. Emailed time as a public health control paperwork to operator.
Ceiling/ceiling tile and vent shows damage or is in disrepair in kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed carrots stored on floor in dry storage, the operator relocated them.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit at prep table. Operator removed for cleaning.
Interior of freezer near kitchen entrance in disrepair/has exposed insulation.
Feb 20, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pasta (74F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at front counter. Operator advised made and placed directly in unit 1 hour prior. Educated on proper cooling methods and operator will begin rapid cooling via ice bath or freezer prior to placing in reach in cooler.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed cooked plantain (76F - Hot Holding) on cook line. The operator states he serves all within an hour or discards. Educated on time stamping and tracking, provided time as a public health control form via email.
Feb 19, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach behind reach in cooler in dry storage area. The operator removed the live roach.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pasta (74F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at front counter. Operator advised made and placed directly in unit 1 hour prior. Educated on proper cooling methods and operator will begin rapid cooling via ice bath or freezer prior to placing in reach in cooler.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed cooked plantain (76F - Hot Holding) on cook line. The operator states he serves all within an hour or discards. Educated on time stamping and tracking, provided time as a public health control form via email.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach next to reach in cooler in dry storage area. The operator removed the dead roach.
Dec 19, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license as of 12/1/25.
No soap provided at handwash sink near 3 compartment sink and exit door.
Dec 18, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 6 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
4 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license as of 12/1/25.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 100 - 150 droppings in dry storage in corner near door and shelving. Observed 2 droppings on top of container of uncooked rice. Observed 75-100 droppings under reach in cooler in dry storage area. Observed 50-75 droppings behind a file cabinet in dry storage near 3 compartment sink. Observed 25-50 droppings beneath vegetable oil bin.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pork (58F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler near cook line. The operator states this was cooked yesterday and held over night. The operator discarded the items.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked plantains (108F - Hot Holding) at front counter, operator states have been removed from heat for less than 2 hours. The operator began reheating them to above 135F while on site.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink near 3 compartment sink and exit door.
No soap provided at handwash sink near 3 compartment sink and exit door.
Dec 8, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with parsley. Operator switched to food grade.
No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink next to three compartment sink.
No soap provided at handwash sink next to three compartment sink.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on upright reach in cooler.
Hotel and Restaurant license decal not displayed on vending machine. License expired 12/01/25.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Educated operator on storing water at 135F or above.
Open dumpster lid. Operator closed dumpster.
Water leaking from pipe underneath handwash sink next to three compartment sink.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Mar 5, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license as expired as of 12-01-2024.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oct 23, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustic style ceiling tiles in back prep room and above front counter.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop in standing water at front counter.
Oct 22, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed at least 6 small flying insects on 3 compartment sink and prep table in back prep room. Small flying insects are not landing on food.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over ready to eat foods in roll top reach in cooler on cook line. Operator moved items for proper storage.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustic style ceiling tiles in back prep room and above front counter.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop in standing water at front counter.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall as soiled around vegetable oil vat.
Oct 22, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in dirty water at front counter area.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustic ceiling tiles in back prep room.
Apr 23, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in dirty water at front counter area.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustic ceiling tiles in back prep room.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed open employee water bottle in reach in cooler above food served to customers.
Nov 1, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 3 to 5 small flying insects in kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed stand up reach-in cooler in kitchen ambient temperature 71F.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in kitchen.
Oct 30, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 3 to 5 small flying insects in kitchen area.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed pork (73F - Cold Holding); black beans (71F - Cold Holding) in stand up reach-in cooler in kitchen.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pork (73F - Cold Holding); black beans (71F - Cold Holding) in stand up reach-in cooler in kitchen. Observed raw red snapper (58F - Cold Holding) in stand up reach-in cooler in kitchen. The operator is moving raw red snapper into reach-in freezer.
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 DBPR Form HR 5030-103.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed stand up reach-in cooler in kitchen ambient temperature 71F.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in kitchen.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit across from cook line.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed containers of black beans, rice and pinto beans not labeled in kitchen.
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.