Dove Creek Lodge
Last inspected: Mar 20, 2026
95
Score
Dove Creek Lodge has been inspected nine times since 2022. The most recent report on file is from Mar 20, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around five violations to closer to three violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “food stored on floor” is the recurring theme, flagged three times.
Among Key Largo restaurants, the typical score is 69; Dove Creek Lodge is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 20, 2026
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in standing unit.
23-03-4
95
Feb 3, 2026
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled standing reach in cooler interior. - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-03: Still observed. **Time Extended**
22-16-4
95
Nov 14, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Still observed expired training for Yolanda Lawrence 01/26/2025. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed 3 compartment sink set up not in order, soap was on the middle compartment. Coached employee.
16-13-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cereal box stored on floor at kitchen area.
08B-38-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled standing reach in cooler interior.
22-16-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed plastic cups case stored on floor at kitchen area.
25-05-4
70
Mar 7, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
78
Oct 30, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. Observed boiled eggs not time marked. As per employee breakfast starts at 8:00 am. As per employee food is discarded at 11:00am.
03F-02-5
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed on standing cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
Basic - Fly sticky tape hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. Observed by 3 compartment sink, employee removed during inspection.
35B-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic water bottles stored on floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed on standing cooler, also on black refrigerator.
22-16-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
67
Apr 8, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
70
Oct 23, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed Triple Sink (Chlorine 25ppm); employee add more chlorine.Triple Sink (Chlorine 100ppm) **Corrected On-Site**
22-42-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Provided form during inspection.
11-26-1
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. Provided form during inspection.
11-27-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic water bottles stored on floor in kitchen area. Employee rearranged properly during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored on top of sugar case. Employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
10-12-5
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed several personal drinks inside reach in cooler next to food in kitchen area.Manager removed during inspection.
12B-13-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled interior of 2 doors reach in cooler in kitchen area.
22-16-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
55
Jun 16, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations.
View 4 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
58
Nov 14, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed the chlorine sanitizing solution concentration at 10 ppm. Operator will increase the chlorine concentration **Corrective Action Taken**
22-42-4
High Priority - Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. Observed the self service apples not wrapped.
08B-02-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At buffet counter milk (66F - Cold Holding). Per operator less than two hours. Food was moved the reach in cooler.
03A-02-5
Basic - Building components, attachments or fixtures in poor repair. Observed the furniture of the triple sink in disrepair.
36-51-4
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Dove Creek Lodge last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Dove Creek Lodge on file is from Mar 20, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Dove Creek Lodge?
Across the inspection record, “food stored on floor” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Dove Creek Lodge.
How does Dove Creek Lodge compare to other restaurants in Key Largo?
Dove Creek Lodge most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Key Largo average of 69.
Has Dove Creek Lodge's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Dove Creek Lodge have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Dove Creek Lodge means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Dove Creek Lodge inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Dove Creek Lodge is inspected around three times per year on average.
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