Rodent activity temporarily shuts down Sarasota sub shop for 2nd time, health dept. says

Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants routinely inspects restaurants, food trucks and other food service establishments for public health and cleanliness issues. The reports are public information.

During the most recent inspections in Manatee County, a Sarasota sub shop was temporarily shut down when signs of rodent activity were found on site. The restaurant was shut down for the same issue in February.

Here is what inspectors found:

Gogo Subs, 6850 15th St. E., Sarasota

• An inspector ordered that Gogo Subs be temporarily shut down on April 4 after signs of rodent activity were observed on site.
• An inspector observed approximately 26 rodent droppings throughout various areas of the restaurant, including dry storage and kitchen areas.
• Spray bottles containing chemicals were stored next to bag-in-box soda. Corrective action was taken.
• A food manager’s certification was expired.
• Containers were stored in an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.
• No paper towels were provided at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.
• Reach-in cooler shelves were soiled.
• There was a 7 inch hole in a wall in a dry storage area.
• There was an accumulation of food debris on the floor behind fryer equipment in the kitchen.
• A rear kitchen door had a gap at the threshold that opened to the outside.
• A follow-up inspection was required before the restaurant could reopen.
• During a follow-up visit on April 5, an inspector again observed signs of rodent activity. The inspector observed approximately nine rodent droppings near a water heater in a dry storage area. The restaurant remained closed.
• During another follow-up inspection on April 5, the restaurant met inspection standards and was allowed to reopen.

Editor’s Note: According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, these reports are a “snapshot” of the conditions present at the time of the inspection and are public record. The agency is required to inspect every licensed restaurant at least once per year, but new and “high-risk” establishments tend to be inspected more frequently.

When an emergency shutdown order is given by an inspector, it must first be reviewed and approved by agency supervisors. In order for a business to reopen, an inspector will continue visiting the establishment daily until compliance is met. Some citations may include a financial penalty. Inspectors may also respond to complaints, which can be filed here.

The Bradenton Herald’s weekly dirty dining reports list restaurants where inspectors found issues that might concern the average diner — such as unsafe food temperatures, employee hand-washing issues or moldy drink machines — regardless of whether or not the businesses passed inspection.