TROPICAL CREOLE FOOD
3440 FOWLER ST · FORT MYERS · Lee County · FL 33901
Inspection Summary
Emergency Closure Summary
Violation Summary
Counts reported for this inspection visit.
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All DBPR Inspector Observations
14 full violation description(s) documented by the inspector during this visit.
High Priority 3
10-05-5High Priority – In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed multiple kitchen utensils in standing water at 74°F (hot holding). **Warning**
35A-05-4High Priority – Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed at least 8 live roaches in broken reach in cooler in kitchen area. Operator moved unit outside. **Warning**
03B-01-6High Priority – Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter: Plantains 98°F (hot holding); white rice 123°F (hot holding). **Warning**
Intermediate 3
53A-03-7Intermediate – Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ All food manager certifications are expired at time of inspection. **Warning**
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/ Observed 4 employees working in kitchen and 1 employee working front counter in addition to manager. **Warning**
31B-02-4Intermediate – No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator moved paper towels near sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Basic 8
36-37-5Basic – Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustic ceiling tiles over front counter and steam table and in back prep room **Warning**
14-09-4Basic – Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board on roll top reach in cooler in kitchen. **Warning**
14-11-4Basic – Equipment in poor repair. Observed middle door on large reach in cooler closest to back door in kitchen as damaged. **Warning**
36-24-5Basic – Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed damage to wall near 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
38-01-4Basic – Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed warped and stained light shields in main kitchen area. **Warning**
35B-05-4Basic – Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Observed plastic curtain used to cover back door way, curtain does not touch ground. **Warning**
29-20-5Basic – Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow draining water in 4 compartment sink. Operator states that they have already contacted a plumber for repair. **Warning**
08B-12-5Basic – Stored food not covered. Observed pieces of raw meat on bottom of glass top reach in freezer in back prep room. **Warning**
Inspector observations synchronized from DBPR on August 10, 2026 9:20 AM.
Violation category totals
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
Inspection records and inspector observations reflect conditions documented by DBPR at the time of the inspection and may not reflect current conditions.