Cove Cay Country Club
Last inspected: Feb 19, 2026
61
Score
Across the available record, Cove Cay Country Club has eight inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent visit was on Feb 19, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around eight violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food-contact surface soiled with food debris”, showing up five times.
Restaurants in Clearwater average 79, so Cove Cay Country Club trails the local norm. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 19, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Container with oil on cook line soiled with food debris. Soda gun holster accumulated with slime like substance. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Coffee filters on wire shelf next to coffee machines not stored covered. Operator placed filters in bag. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Bags of oranges and limes stored over condiments in walk in cooler. Operator moved to shelf with unwashed produce. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-17-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plastic to go cup used as scoop in Cole slaw in reach in cooler on cookline. Operator removed and replaced with handled scoop. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Personal food stored over oranges not identified in walk in cooler. Employee removed food. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gaskets on reach in freezers next to cook line.
14-11-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Top oven on double oven on cook line soiled with black substance. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster.
33-11-4
61
Sep 5, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Deli cooler - grilled chicken (44F - Cold Holding); swiss cheese (46F - Cold Holding), moved to freezer **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Emailed to manager
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Fredrick D. Expired 6/25/25. Other staff present with valid CFM
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda gun nozzles and holsters at bar soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One employee with expired certificate
53B-14-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Clean plates on top shelf of service counter on cook line not inverted
24-05-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Accumulation of grease under cook line
36-73-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of ovens soiled on cook line
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled
23-03-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Staff observed cutting unwashed romaine, discussed proper procedures with staff
08B-39-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed citrus over soup in walk in cooler
08B-17-4
39
Nov 14, 2024
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
82
Aug 1, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
74
Feb 22, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Exp 2-1-24 owner updated during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
50-17-3
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in fridge across from cook line sliced cheese (47F - Cold Holding); chicken (48F - Cold Holding); cut leafy greens (49F - Cold Holding); No lids, had a rush, overflowing. Manager moved to walk in fridge. Retemp sliced cheese (42F - Cold Holding); chicken (42F - Cold Holding); cut leafy greens (43F - Cold Holding); **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards soiled
22-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Sea food chowder Prep on 2-11 in walk in fridge. Determined to made 2-14 in freezer 15 -out of freezer 17th
02C-02-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or next to clean equipment. Employee moved to lower shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area on cutting board. Cook moved. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
55
Oct 11, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. At cook line Black Beans dated 10-1 in reach in cooler Rice dated 10-3 in reach in cooler Manager threw away **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-03-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Reach in cooler Black Beans dated 10-1 in reach in cooler near cook line Rice dated 10-3 in reach in cooler at cook line **Corrective Action Taken**
02C-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance in ice machine at bar.
22-20-5
Basic - Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Reach in fridge at cook line has duct tape repairing the handle
14-71-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook at cook line no beard guard
13-04-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven at cook line soiled with food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Single service cups stored in dry storage area on floor manager moved. **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet wiping cloth on prep table deli cooler cook line. Educated manager **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Two containers containing white powdery substance near three compartment sink on prep station with no label. Manager labeled flour for fish and flour for chicken. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - vents soiled with accumulated mold-like substance.
36-34-5
50
Mar 28, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 2 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 22 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in dish area not landing.
35A-02-6
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Cooked Cauliflower dated 3-20, taco meat dated 3-17, egg salad dated 3-20 all exceeding 7 days.
02C-01-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Cooked Cauliflower dated 3-20, taco meat dated 3-17, egg salad dated 3-20 all exceeding 7 days.
01B-24-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cream puff in front bar display cooler 46F. Employee moved to cooler in kitchen to cool. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Dented can of cranberry sauce and baked beans on depth storage shelf.
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled with food debris, mixer head soiled, slicer blade soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand sink in prep area of kitchen. Employee refilled soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine in room off bar soiled with black mold like debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Portion cup in Cole slaw. Employee removed portion cup. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO 2 tanks not secured in ice machine room near bar.
51-11-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Current license not displayed. 2-1-2023 license displayed. **Repeat Violation**
50-09-4
Basic - Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. Dented can of cranberry sauce and baked beans on depth storage shelf.
08B-20-4
Basic - Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Reach in cooler on cook line has duct tape repairing the handle.
14-71-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook on cook line no beard restraint.
13-04-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nesting of plastic pans on drying rack. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Frozen Chicken on floor in hallway near walk in freezer. Employee moved to prep table. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach in freezers on cook line have buildup of ice.
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of Vulcan ovens soiled with burnt on food debris. Microwave interior soiled on cook line. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach in cooler on cook line soiled with black slimy debris. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Thawing pork in prep sink no running water. Employee turned on water to thaw. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of white powder on shelf in prep area. Employee labeled sugar. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
18
Sep 2, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 21 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. -Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm) Discussed using three compartment sink until dish machine is fixed **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. sauerkraut(45F - Cold Holding); grilled chicken(50F - Cold Holding); coleslaw(47F - Cold Holding), chicken salad (47F - Cold Holding) Items were moved to reach in cooler 1 hour prior to inspection Operator began moving items to the walk-in cooler and on ice during time of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -can opener blade has accumulation of food residue -stained cutting board at prep station in kitchen -grill top has accumulation of food residue -stove top has accumulation of residue -slicer next to mixer has accumulation of food residue -double door reach in cooler rack has accumulation of food residue **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -glass containers in hand sink next to coffee machine -plastic containers at hand sink next to cooks line **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. -chlorine and quaternary ammonium **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. -hand sink at cooks line **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. -milk in walk-in cooler for more than 4 hours Operator unaware of the actual date Operator voluntarily discarded item during time of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
02C-03-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. -portion cup used to Scrooge coleslaw at prep station **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -at prep station in kitchen **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. -employee in kitchen **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -metal containers at prep table **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -floor at cooks line has accumulation of grease **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. -ovens at cooks line have accumulation of grease -microwave in kitchen next to double door reach in cooler has accumulation of food residue **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -toastmaster warmers have accumulation of food residue -hood filters have accumulation of grease -sides of flat top grill have accumulation of grease -sides of grill have accumulation of grease -mixer head has accumulation of food residue **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. -at cooks line **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. -unwashed tomatoes and peppers over ready-to-eat lettuce in walk-in cooler Discussed proper hierarchy with operator during time of inspection. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-17-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. -in water heater room **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -flour in dill pickle container not labeled -squeeze bottles at prep station **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02D-01-5
22
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cove Cay Country Club last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cove Cay Country Club on file is from Feb 19, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cove Cay Country Club?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Cove Cay Country Club.
How does Cove Cay Country Club compare to other restaurants in Clearwater?
Cove Cay Country Club most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Clearwater average of 79.
Has Cove Cay Country Club's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cove Cay Country Club have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Cove Cay Country Club means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Cove Cay Country Club inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cove Cay Country Club is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants