Gator Joe’s in Ocklawaha was temporarily closed earlier this week after an inspector found five health code violations, including three that were considered high priority.
According to a health inspection report filed by a health inspector with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Gator Joe’s, which is located at 12431 SE 135th Avenue in Ocklawaha, was shut down on Thursday, July 28 after a failed inspection.
Among the issues the restaurant was cited for were three high priority violations, including the presence of rodent activity.
The report states that four rodent droppings were found on the kitchen floor near the entrance to the walk-in cooler. At the server station next to the bar area, a total of 19 rodent droppings were also spotted on shelves that were next to silverware and closed hot sauce bottles.
According to the report, the on-duty manager cleaned up both areas where the rodent droppings were observed.
The establishment was also cited for the dishwashing machine’s chlorine sanitizer not being at proper minimum strength, and manual sanitization was set up until the machine is repaired.
On Friday, July 29, the restaurant was permitted to reopen after no violations were found during a follow-up inspection.