WHALES TAIL BEACH GRILL
1373 E HWY 98 · DESTIN · Walton County · FL 32550
Inspection Summary
Violation Summary
Counts reported for this inspection visit.
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All DBPR Inspector Observations
15 full violation description(s) documented by the inspector during this visit.
High Priority 1
03A-02-5High Priority – Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Thawing- calamari 47F, raw chicken 57Fm raw beef 57F, raw shrimp 60F. Cold hold- make bar- raw shrimp 58F, pico 51Fm tuna dip 45F, sausage link 51F (10:00-11:00). Cold hold- drawer- white fish 51Fm raw ground beef patty 50F, raw chicken 64F, crab cakes 55F ( 10:00-11:00). Egg wash 57F.**Warning** **Warning**
Intermediate 2
31A-11-4Intermediate – Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Chef knife stored in sink on cook line near fryers. **Repeat Violation**
53A-05-6Intermediate – No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/. Manager arrived during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
Basic 12
22-20-5Basic – Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin near ice chute. Exterior ice machine lid soiled. **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5Basic – Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Multiple soufflé cup/bowls stored in marinara sauce at Expo station. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4Basic – Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable at make bar on cook line. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5Basic – Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler drawer does not close all the way. White fish stored in drawer at 51F.
12B-02-4Basic – Evidence of. Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Container of pico with crackers and a fork stored on food shelf above make bar during inspection.
35B-01-4Basic – Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside at front dining room door and kitchen back exit door. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4Basic – Food stored on floor. Onion rings and shrimp stored on floor in walk in freezer. Bag of potatoes stored on floor in dry storage area. **Repeat Violation**
21-10-4Basic – Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Multiple dry soiled cloths hanging from cooks clothing. Employees removed cloths and discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5Basic – Stored food not covered. Marinara sauce/salsa stored in upright glass reach in cooler not covered. Tray of bacon stored in walk in freezer not covered. **Repeat Violation**
06-03-5Basic – Thawed portions of ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit while being thawed under running water. Thawing- calamari 47F, raw chicken 57F,raw beef 57F, raw shrimp 60F. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-27-5Basic – Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust at 3 compartment sink.
21-09-4Basic – Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Multiple soiled wet cloths stored on food contact surface near prep sink. Owner discarded cloths. **Corrected On-Site**
Inspector observations synchronized from DBPR on September 3, 2026 12:17 PM.
Violation category totals
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
3 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
Inspection records and inspector observations reflect conditions documented by DBPR at the time of the inspection and may not reflect current conditions.