Southern Grounds
Last inspected: Apr 13, 2026
41
Score
Inspectors have visited Southern Grounds three times, with records going back to 2025. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 13, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around five violations to closer to nine violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “shell eggs in use or stored with cracks” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.
The city-wide average sits at 73, which Southern Grounds' 41 doesn't quite reach. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.
3
Inspections
4
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 13, 2026
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in front reach in cooler Milk (55F-57F - Cold Holding); Heavy cream (55F-57F); Almond milk (55F-57F - Cold Holding); Skim milk (55F-57F - Cold Holding). See stop sale Cooler has an ambient temperature of 60F. All products in cooler from previous day. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in front reach in cooler Milk (55F-57F - Cold Holding); Heavy cream (55F-57F); Almond milk (55F-57F - Cold Holding); Skim milk (55F-57F - Cold Holding). See stop sale Cooler has an ambient temperature of 60F. All products in cooler from previous day. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. Observed 1 cracked raw shell egg stored with raw shell eggs in drawer cooler located on cook line. See stop sale. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-14-4
High Priority - Date marked combined ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days of preparing/opening the earliest ready-to-eat time/temperature for safety ingredient. See stop sale. Observed squeeze bottles in reach in cooler House made Cream sauce dated 4-5-2026, House made Caesar dated 3-23-2026. See stop sale. **Warning**
01B-28-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed employee hand washing station at entrance of kitchen without hand soap. Manager provided hand soap for station. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed drawer cooler door gasket torn located below grill.
14-11-5
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old stickers on clean dishes/ containers stored on dry rack.
16-46-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed avocados with stickers still on them located in reach in cooler. Manager removed and had employee wash and remove stickers. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-17-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling air vents dusty near ware washing. Observed wall in ware washing area dusty .
36-34-5
41
Oct 28, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touch apron with gloved hand and proceeded to engage in food preparation. Inspector spoke to employee regarding hand washing after touching apron. Employee removed gloves and washed hands properly. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-28-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found. Observed 1 flying insect in pastry cabinet located on front line landed on edge of pan. Employee was able to remove pastries and place in new pan. Employee was able to remove flying insect from cabinet. **Corrective Action Taken**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. Observed 1 cracked raw shell egg in stand alone cooler stored with raw shell eggs. See stop sale.
01B-14-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed portion cups stored in employee hand sink located on cook line. Employee removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed 4 employees engaging in food preparation without a certified food manager on duty. Food manager arrived during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
53A-05-6
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. Observed establishment without proof 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. Inspector will send copy of employee health agreement form. Establishment does have a blank Employee Reporting Roster. **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop stored in mop bucket. Employee hung wet mop to dry properly. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed cut avocados in reach in cooler with stickers still on. Employee removed stickers and washed. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-17-4
Basic - Employee with ineffective hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaging in food preparation wearing a hat that is ineffective restraint of their hair. Employee pulled hair back. **Corrected On-Site**
13-02-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink on prep table next to slicer. Employee removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
39
Jun 3, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Southern Grounds last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Southern Grounds on file is from Apr 13, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Southern Grounds?
Across the inspection record, “shell eggs in use or stored with cracks” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Southern Grounds.
How does Southern Grounds compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville Beach?
Southern Grounds most recently scored 41 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville Beach average of 73.
Has Southern Grounds' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Southern Grounds have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Southern Grounds means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
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