Gator Shack
Last inspected: Oct 15, 2025
82
Score
Gator Shack has been inspected nine times since 2022. The most recent visit was on Oct 15, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near two violations each time.
Across the inspection history, “establishment has no written procedures for employees” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.
Among Punta Gorda restaurants, this is a fairly standard result. The record reflects steady performance over time.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 15, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed waste receptacle blocking the kitchen handwashing sink. Operator removed the waste receptacle to allow clear access to the handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled vent at ware washing area. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Sanitizing solution for wiping cloths not free of food debris and visible soil. Observed residue in the quaternary sanitizer. Operator removed the soil sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site**
21-11-4
82
Jul 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee dumping water at cookline handwash sink. Educated the employee.
31A-11-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed fan guards soiled at Display Cooler Unit.
23-03-4
86
Feb 27, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
86
Dec 26, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 23, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
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 the written procedure. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
Intermediate - 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/ Manager: Kerry Lynn McClenithan, 06/24/2019.
53A-03-7
82
Sep 28, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw fish over boiled eggs at Display Cooler Unit. Operator switched the food items. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed at cookline next to the stove.
29-34-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed missing on one of the faucets at exterior mop sink. Educated the operator. **Repeat Violation**
29-42-4
Intermediate - No quaternary chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
58
Jul 7, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw ground beef over raw pork at Reach in Cooler. Operator switched the food items. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
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.
11-27-4
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.
11-26-1
Intermediate - No quaternary chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed at cookline.
36-02-5
61
Dec 17, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Repeat Violation**
50-17-2
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee washing hands at 3 compartment sink. Educated the employee.
12A-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed Make Table at cookline. Operator in the process of replacing it. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed fish at room temperature at 3 compartment sink. Operator placed cold running water to thaw. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
70
Jul 19, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Warning**
29-42-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed open bag of raw chicken over bag of ice at Reach in Freezer. Operator switched the food items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-2
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. Observed gallon of milk at Reach in Cooler. Operator date marked the food item. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-02-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets at Make Table. **Warning**
14-11-5
50
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gator Shack last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Gator Shack on file is from Oct 15, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Gator Shack?
Across the inspection record, “establishment has no written procedures for employees” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Gator Shack.
How does Gator Shack compare to other restaurants in Punta Gorda?
Gator Shack most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is about the same as the Punta Gorda average of 82.
Has Gator Shack's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Gator Shack have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Gator Shack 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 Gator Shack inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Gator Shack is inspected around three times per year on average.
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