Highlands Irish Pub
Last inspected: Feb 17, 2026
70
Score
Highlands Irish Pub appears in inspection records eight times, starting in 2022. On Feb 17, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around five violations compared to roughly nine violations earlier on.
The pattern that stands out is “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease”, which has been cited four times.
That's lower than the typical Avon Park restaurant, which scores around 76. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 17, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
70
Sep 24, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
78
Jun 6, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a can of grill cleaner by oil and vinegar, operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed the employee wearing rings while prepping food.
13-07-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed two tongs on the oven handle, operator moved. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign in the men's bathroom. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets at the reach in cooler in the kitchen torn.
23-03-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed utensils upright in two containers in the kitchen, operator corrected by putting them down handle up. **Corrected On-Site**
24-18-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in the ice by the soda dispenser, operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
64
Apr 1, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 75 rodent droppings on the floor in the dry storage area. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings on the window sill in the dry storage area. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings in the corner of the three compartment sink. Observed 4 rodent droppings in the closet where the soda dispenser boxes are located in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-01: Observed approximately 30 rodent droppings at the front counter area between the reach in cooler and wall, operator cleaned and sanitized. **Admin Complaint** **Corrective Action Taken**
35A-04-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Manager stated six employees do not have there training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-01: **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Test kit for measuring the concentration of the sanitizing solution not used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or employee unaware of proper use. Operator was using the chlorine test strips to check Quaternary solution in the buckets, explained to the operator the difference. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-01: **Time Extended**
16-43-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed black electrical tape over the handle to the walk in cooler door, operator stated a work order was in but could not provide proof of that. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-01: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed the wall behind the soda dispenser is a 12 x 12 hole, from water damage, operator stated there is a work order in through Maintenance, operator showed the work order by email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-01: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
64
Mar 31, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed two flats of hard shell eggs over cooked taco meat and cooked macaroni pasta, operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 75 rodent droppings on the floor in the dry storage area. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings on the window sill in the dry storage area. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings in the corner of the three compartment sink. Observed 4 rodent droppings in the closet where the soda dispenser boxes are located in kitchen. **Warning**
35A-04-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Manager stated six employees do not have there training. **Warning**
53B-01-5
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. Printed out a copy for manager, signed by end of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Test kit for measuring the concentration of the sanitizing solution not used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or employee unaware of proper use. Operator was using the chlorine test strips to check Quaternary solution in the buckets, explained to the operator the difference. **Warning**
16-43-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl in a container of sugar, a bowl in a container of flour, operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach in closet with soda boxes, observed one dead roach behind ice machine in kitchen and observed one dead roach in dry storage area, operator cleaned up. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cook with no hair restraint, operator gave hat to the cook. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed black electrical tape over the handle to the walk in cooler door, operator stated a work order was in but could not provide proof of that. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a case of beer cheese on the floor in the walk in freezer, operator put on shelve and a container of chicken soup on the floor in the walk in cooler operator moved to a shelve. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed the wall behind the soda dispenser is a 12 x 12 hole, from water damage, operator stated there is a work order in through Maintenance, operator showed the work order by email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed Philly steak patties not covered or wrapped in reach in freezer. **Warning**
08B-12-5
39
Oct 17, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed items double panel in reach in cooler and not holding temperature cut tomatoes (44F - Cold Holding); hot dogs (48F - Cold Holding) sliced cheese (45F - Cold Holding). Operator moved items to another reachin and did not double pan to rapidly cool to 41F and maintain at 41F or below.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Turkey deli loaf in walk-in with no date mark cut first last week on Wednesday. Cook marked to discard by end of today.
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed used wipe cloths drying on handsink and sanitizer bucket stored inside handsink at bar. Manager removed items.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at bar. Manager added towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Tanks not chained.
51-11-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean dish ware on open wire rack in kitchen not inverted and subject to dust .
24-05-4
Basic - Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. Observed drain line from ice machine leaking on to floor under ice machine.
28-02-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cooks on cookline with no beard guard.
13-04-4
Basic - Ice bucket not inverted on top of ice machine.
10-14-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed window sill at dry storage with dirt and debris on sill.
23-03-4
Basic - Ventilation inadequate as evidenced by excessive steam or vapors in kitchen. Observed grease laden vapors in kitchen during inspection.
36-65-5
45
Feb 16, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Pesticide use not in accordance with manufacturer's directions. Observed chemical emitting pesticide strips hanging on shelf over prep sink and beside clean dish ware at kitchen. Also found hanging on handle of back door.Employee removed pesticide to outdoor area. **Corrected On-Site**
41-20-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Operator states new machine is on order.
16-03-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed 3 co2 tanks not secured outside at back garbage area.
51-11-4
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed cleaned silverware stored on shelf under first aid items and medical items at back prep area. Employee removed silverware to another location. **Corrected On-Site**
24-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed old debris and dust buildup in window sill at back dry storage area.
23-03-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wipe cloths stored on equipment at bar. Employee made up sanitizer bucket and added wet cloths to solution. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
64
Nov 15, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soda gun with black debris on interior.
22-02-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor with grease buildup under cookline.
36-73-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed finish broken off wall and drywall exposed behind stove.
36-24-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior and exterior with old food debris. Observed grill surface and area around grill with old charred food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed shelf at cookline with old food debris. Observed water and slimy debris buildup in keg cooler.
23-03-4
Basic - Unwrapped single-service utensils not presented so that only the handles are touched. Observed unwrapped single service flatware in open container all together with spoon/fork/knives mixed and food contact area not protected. Must dig through flatware to get the one you want. Touching multiple surfaces and utensils.
25-02-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed grease and food debris buildup on wall at fry station. Observed fort and dust buildup on window sill at dry storage area.
36-27-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed fan covers on condenser at walk-in cooler with black mold like growth and dust.
36-34-5
Basic - Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. Observed water condensation or drain line leaking on to counter at tea machine.
28-02-4
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Highlands Irish Pub last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Highlands Irish Pub on file is from Feb 17, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Highlands Irish Pub?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Highlands Irish Pub.
How does Highlands Irish Pub compare to other restaurants in Avon Park?
Highlands Irish Pub most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Avon Park average of 76.
Has Highlands Irish Pub's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Highlands Irish Pub have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Highlands Irish Pub 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 Highlands Irish Pub inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Highlands Irish Pub is inspected around two times per year on average.
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