JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It was a busy week for health inspectors. Two restaurants were temporarily closed for violations and more than 200 rodent droppings found in one kitchen. In addition, a restaurant operator reportedly got into a heated confrontation with an inspector.
In Jacksonville's Cedar Hills neighborhood, 23 Flavors on Confederate Point Road had more than 23 problems when an inspector stopped by. According to the inspection report, more than 30 flies, roaches and roach eggs sacs, and more than 200 rodents droppings had to be cleaned and removed.
The report shows two more citations were marked later that day when the inspector came back to the restaurant, and things got heated:
"Operator removed sign posted by inspector. Operator stated 'you are not putting that sticker on my door'. Operator removed three stickers placed by inspector. Operator pulled first sticker from my hand before I could place it on the door. After putting second sticker on door, operator physically pushed me out of the way and removed sticker, I stated if he touched me again I was going to call police." -Inspection report from March 23, 208.
The follow-up inspection came the next day, and 23 Flavors was allowed to reopen.
The owner of 23 Flavors is referring News4Jax to his lawyer for comment. News4Jax will reach out to the attorney once contact information is provided. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation also stated that the Division did receive a complaint from the owner after the inspection and is currently reviewing.
On the city's Southside, Little Caesars on Beach Boulevard faced a brief closure after an inspector said two dead roaches and 18 live roaches were spotted crawling behind the baseboard tiles on the wall by the pizza oven.
A high-priority violation was also issued because hot water took too long to reach the restroom sinks. According to the report, employees were using only cold water to wash their hands, which resulted in a warning.
The pests were cleaned up and the restaurant reopened later that same day.
But one restaurant had a clean slate. Dunkin' Donuts in Fleming Island aced its most recent inspection. An inspector stopped by on March 21 and found zero violations in the restaurant. Congratulations to the staff!