Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel

1020 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

Café / Breakfast

Last inspected: Jan 28, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Across the available record, Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel has six inspections on file, the first dated 2023. On Jan 28, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.

“Food service manager not certified within 30 days” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

The city-wide average sits at 85, which Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel's 64 doesn't quite reach. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 28, 2026

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 5 violations

High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed emoloyee load dish machine with soiled dishes with bare hands and then proceeded to handle clean and sanitised dishes without proper hand washing. Discussed hand washing with employee and observed proper hand washing. **Corrected On-Site**

12A-13-4

Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. 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 Dave, who has been employed over 30 days does not have a valid certified food manager certificate This is a repeat violation from the previous inspection dated 08-14-2025 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

53A-04-6

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled at three compartment sink

41-17-4

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed under water that was not running/dripping. Krab meat thawing in standing water.

06-08-5

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Partial bottle of water on back prep table

12B-07-4

Aug 14, 2025

Routine - Food

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On cooks line counter pooled eggs (58 F - Cold Holding) per operator eggs were refilled less than an hour prior. Operator placed eggs in a deep ice water bath to rapidly cool This is a repeat violation from previous inspection dated 02%04-2025 **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

03A-02-5

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored directly over croissants in large reach in cooler. Operator moved food to proper storage. **Corrected On-Site**

08A-05-6

Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Dace, hired more than 30 days prior has no certified food manager certification

53A-04-6

Basic - Iced tea dispenser not cleaned at least once every 24 hours. Ice tea dispenser has buildup inside nozzle

22-13-5

Feb 4, 2025

Routine - Food

2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.

View 5 violations

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. On cooks line, eight each 8 oz filets with a label stating to be removed from package prior to thawing under refrigeration.

01B-13-4

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Pancake batter that was made the day before pancake batter (58 F - Cold Holding)

03A-02-5

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Partial bottle of water on back prep table. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**

12B-07-4

Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface.

33-23-4

Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. On cooks line, eight each 8 oz filets with a label stating to be removed from package prior to thawing under refrigeration.

06-09-1

Jul 25, 2024

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Employee Health Policies Present

FL-03

Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels

FL-14

Personal Cleanliness

FL-40

Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored

FL-41

Floors, Walls, and Ceilings Clean and in Good Repair

FL-52

Toilet Rooms Maintained

FL-53

Apr 19, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Intermediate - Misrepresentation of a fruit or fruit juice. Orange juice and grapefruit juice identified as "Fresh Squeezed" and product offered does not meet the requirements.

52-02-4

Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit in front beverage cooler.

05-09-4

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand washing signs for either public restroom.

31B-04-4

Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Doors of public restrooms are not self closing.

32-04-4

Jun 21, 2023

Routine - Food

No violations found.

100

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel on file is from Jan 28, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel?

Across the inspection record, “food service manager not certified within 30 days” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel.

How does Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel compare to other restaurants in Sanibel?

Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Sanibel average of 85.

Has Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel 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 Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel is inspected around two times per year on average.

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