Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay
Last inspected: Oct 21, 2025
47
Score
Across the available record, Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay has nine inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent report on file is from Oct 21, 2025. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around seven violations each.
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay's 47 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
9
Inspections
3
Critical latest
2
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 21, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in walk in cooler, cold holding New England clam chowder 53F, manhattan chowder 52F made day before. See stop sale.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in walk in cooler, cold holding New England clam chowder 53F, manhattan chowder 52F made day before.
01B-02-5
High Priority - In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit.Observed utensils in water 89F at front counter by food warmer. Chef removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-05-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.Observed food debris on slicer blade guard. Employee cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed chemicals and pans in hand sink in dish machine area.
31A-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.Observed 3-2" holes in ceiling above triple sink. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.Observed in stand up reach in freezer in back.
14-69-4
47
Jul 1, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.Observed food debris on slicer blade guard.
22-02-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed 2 1-2" holes in ceiling above triple sink.
36-32-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting between plastic cups in wait station area.
24-08-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.Observed ice buildup in stand up freezer in back storage area.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.Observed utensils in 76F water in front of cook line. Chef removed bottle from. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed grease buildup on hood filters.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rusted she,ves inside reach in cooler on cook line.
14-33-4
67
Feb 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
52
Jul 24, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
95
Jul 23, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.Observed in walk in cooler Cold Holding Scallop 46F, Pork 45F, Butter 47F, Keylime Pie 43F. Observed in reach in cooler in front of cook line Cold Holding Crab 55F, Cut Tomatoes 48F, Caesar Dressing 48F **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
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/ **Warning**
53A-05-6
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.Observed salmon not cut or removed from vacuum.Cook removed.As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Food stored on floor.Observed flour mix and bread crumbs on floor in dry storage. Manager rearranged food items to prevent cross contamination. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.Observed ice buildup in chest freezer. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.Observed 6 tongs on oven door.
10-20-4
Basic - Stored food not covered.Observed dessert pies and ice cream in chest freezer not covered.
08B-12-5
61
Dec 20, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
23
Aug 16, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
70
Jan 4, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
39
Aug 15, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soil buildup on slicer blade guard. Employee corrected by immediately cleaning. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed in kitchen area ceiling tiles not smooth. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling over triple sink, peeling and a small hole approximately 1/2"
36-32-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed an approximate 7" x2" hole in Walkin Cooler door, tape covering lid of chest freezer, and broken gasket on Reachin Cooler on cooks line. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed condensation on ceiling vent over cooks line preparation table, and in front of Reachin Cooler near dry storage area.
36-68-5
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed missing on recycling and garbage dumpsters.
33-11-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed grease buildup on hood filters. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay on file is from Oct 21, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay.
How does Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay 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.
How often is Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay is inspected around three times per year on average.
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