Findings Of Fact During the applicable time period, the Respondents held a valid Division license for L'Orient Express Restaurant, license number 39-0587R, located at 4815 West Laurel Street, Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida 33607- 4507. This license will expire on February 1, 1989. On December 19, 1988, the premises of the restaurant were inspected by Kristine Turnbull, an Environmental Health Specialist. Ms. Turnbull is employed by the Hillsborough County Health Unit, which is part of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. During the inspection, Ms. Turnbull tested egg rolls, pork, and shrimp within the restaurant in order to determine whether these foods were being kept at the proper temperatures which would prevent such foods from becoming contaminated. The tests performed by Ms. Turnbull revealed that these foods were being kept at temperatures of 60 degrees F., 50 degrees F., and 50 degrees F., respectively. Ms. Turnbull observed ten to fifteen roaches run out of the dishwashing machine during the inspection. The Respondents have made an effort to prevent roach infestation by employing Doug Boyer's Pest Control, Inc. The premises are sprayed for roaches by the company on a monthly basis. In between these scheduled visits, Mr. Le sprays for roaches after the restaurant is closed at night. Ms. Turnbull observed fresh rat droppings in the restaurants storeroom during the inspection. Beds and blankets were found within the premises by Ms. Turnbull. However, the platform which the inspector believed was a bed, was actually a makeshift stage used for live band performances. This stage was wrapped in colorful cloths for decorative purposes. On the date of the inspection, the dishwashing machine was not working properly. Insufficient amounts of chlorine were dispensed into the water which was supposed to clean and sanitize the dishes, glassware, and eating utensils. Once the Respondents learned of the problem, the machine was promptly repaired and restored to working order. Floors, walls, and ceilings were found to be poorly maintained and in need of extensive cleaning. Ms. Turnbull found the stove, the stove hood, the fryer, and the wok covered with a thick grease film which appeared to have been built up over an extended period of time. This equipment, along with the slicer and knives used in food preparation, were in need of extensive cleaning. Old food was encrusted in areas of the slicer and knives where such build up could occur. The conditions observed by the inspector are contrary to the sanitary practices set forth in Chapter 10D-13, Florida Administrative Code. All food service establishments in Florida are required to adhere to these sanitary practices. The rules were promulgated by the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services pursuant to Chapter 381, Florida Statutes. Based upon the rule violations discovered during the inspection, L'Orient Express Restaurant was condemned by Donald Kwalick, Director of the Hillsborough County Health Unit, on December 20, 1988. On December 20, 1988, the Director of the Hillsborough County Health Unit sent a memorandum to the Director of the Division. The memorandum informed the Director that L'Orient Express Restaurant had been closed. Restaurant conditions which caused the director of the county health unit to close the restaurant were described in the memorandum. The Director of the Division issued a Notice to Show Cause why the licensed issued by the Division should not be suspended or revoked, based upon the condemnation of the restaurant, and the conditions described within the memorandum. Three prior consent orders have been issued by the Petitioner against the Respondents for sanitary code violations at L'Orient Express Restaurant within a ten month period.
The Issue Whether Respondent's license number 23-3483H should be suspended or revoked, or a civil penalty assessed for alleged violation of Section 509.221(3)(7)(8), F.S. Rule 7C-1.03(1), (5), and (7) , F.A.C., as set forth in Notice to Show Cause, dated June 5, 1978. Respondent did not appear at the hearing nor did any representative in his behalf. He had received an order of the Hearing Officer continuing the hearing from November 22, 1978 to December 5, 1978 which was issued on November 17, 1978. In a post-hearing letter to the Hearing Officer, dated December 6, 1978, Respondent stated that he knew the hearing was set for December 5 but misfiled the date of hearing, and requested another hearing. He was advised by the Hearing Officer, by letter of December 7, 1978, that such a rehearing would be precluded pursuant to Rule 28-5.25(9), Florida Administrative Code. In view of the fact that Respondent did not appear at the hearing after being properly notified, the hearing was conducted as an uncontested proceeding, pursuant to Rule 28-5.25(5), Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Respondent holds license control number 23-3483H issued by Petitioner pursuant to Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, for apartments located at 1040 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida. Respondent has been so licensed during the year 1978. (Testimony of Gelber, Exhibit 2) On May 9, 1978, Sidney Gelber, Petitioner's sanitation and maintenance inspector, visited the premises of Respondent's apartments on a routine inspection. The apartments consisted of two separate buildings, one behind the other, each containing four units. Gelber observed broker tiles on the steps at the main entrance to the rear building. He found much trash and debris, including junked auto parts and glass jalousies at the rear of the grounds where the tenants utilized a laundry line and disposed of garbage. In the garbage area, cans were uncovered, dirty, and flies and bugs were observed. He saw a large open vent on the south side of the front building with no screen, and the screen of the rear door of the front building was torn. (Testimony of Gelber) A warning notice which set forth the deficiencies found as a result of the inspection was sent to Respondent which he received on May 15. The notice provided that such minor violations must be corrected by May 19, 1978. On May 23, the inspector revisited the premises and found that Respondent had not complied with the notice by correcting the deficiencies. On June 5, 1978, Petitioner sent Respondent a Notice to Show Cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for the cited violations. Respondent thereupon requested a hearing in the matter. (Testimony of Gelber, Exhibit 1) The inspector testified at the hearing that the broken tiles, open vents, debris, and torn screens constituted a hazardous condition. Respondent had received notice of prior similar violations on October 11, 1977, which he subsequently remedied. (Testimony of Gelber)
Recommendation That an administrative fine in the amount of $250.00 be imposed against Respondent for violation of Rule 7C-1.103(1), 7C-1.03(5), and 7C-1.03(7), Florida Administrative Code, under the authority of Section 509.261(2), Florida Statutes. DONE and ENTERED this 21st day of December, 1978, in Tallahassee, Florida. THOMAS C. OLDHAM Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings 530 Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: Mary Jo Gallay, Esquire Staff Attorney Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Tallahassee, Florida 32304 R. C. Weit 775 NE 79th Street, Suite B Miami, Florida 33138
The Issue The ultimate issue for determination is whether the Respondent committed the violations alleged in the Notice to Show Cause, issued on February 6, 1990, and, if so, what penalty should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact At all times material hereto, Respondent was doing business at 26712 Southwest 144th Avenue, Naranja, Dade County, Florida, 33032-7404 as Village Diner. The Village Diner was operated under restaurant license number 23- 16870R. Mr. Steven Hoffman, Environmental Health Specialist Supervisor, Dade County Public Health Department ("DCPHD"), is an expert in food hygiene, safety, and fire safety. Mr. Hoffman's qualifications include certification by the Federal Drug Administration as a food inspector and certification by the State of Florida in fire safety and as a food hygiene coordinator. Mr. Hoffman has been employed by the DCPHD in various capacities for approximately 13 years. Mr. Hoffman's employment duties on January 12, 1990, included performing inspections of food service establishments in response to complaints received by the DCPHD. In response to a complaint, Mr. Hoffman conducted an inspection of the Village Diner on January 12, 1990. Mr. Hoffman found conditions comprising 18 alleged rule violations, of which eight are classified by Petitioner as major violations. Potato salad, cole slaw, and corned beef was improperly refrigerated at 60 degrees. 2/ Such food must be refrigerated at 45 degrees in order to avoid growth of dangerous bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. Food was stored on the floor of the walk-in refrigeration box and was not covered. Uncovered food left on the floor is susceptible to contamination by other substances dripping into the uncovered food and by other bacteria. Food utensils were stored in dirty water. Food prepared or served with utensils stored in dirty water may be cross-contaminated with bacteria from food or filth in the dirty water. Bulk containers used to store flour were dirty and needed to be replaced. Food contact surfaces were not clean, including stove grills, fryers, and the interior of refrigerators. The reach-in box contained dried, hardened splashes of meat. Wilted lettuce and other food debris had accumulated on the bottom of the reach-in box over a substantial period. Non-food contact surfaces were not clean, including walls and storage shelves. Walls were covered with accumulated grease and smoke. These conditions increased the probability of cross-contamination from bacteria and attracted vermin. The premises were infested with roaches and mice. Live roaches and droppings from mice were observed in and around the premises. Mouse urine was observed with a black light. Paper in open cans had been nibbled by mice. Roaches cause cross-contamination of food by picking up bacteria on their legs and carrying it to other foods. Mice contaminate food by urinating on it and by transporting fleas and ticks from one food to another. The floor under the cooking equipment was dirty. Walls were encrusted with old grease and dirt. Such conditions attract vermin. Toxic items were not stored properly. Boric acid powder was spread on top of pipes directly above a food service steam table. Respondent used the boric acid powder to control mice and other vermin. Boric acid is poisonous when ingested and is moderately toxic by skin and subcutaneous contact. Pressurized CO-2 tanks were placed beside a stove in the kitchen. An extension cord was improperly used in the kitchen. Lights in the kitchen were not shielded to prevent glass from falling into food in the event that a light bulb either was inadvertently broken or burst during operation. A pit in the rear of the premises contained white, congealed grease and emitted a foul odor. A trench had been designed to direct grease away from the premises and into the pit. The grease pit attracted vermin and contaminated ground water approximately eight feet below the surface. A faucet outside the premises was not equipped with a "backflow preventer". The absence of a "backflow preventer" permits contamination of the city water system from the premises in the event of negative pressure in the city water system. Not all of the garbage cans in the rear of the premises had plastic liners. Trash and debris was collected outside the back door of the premises. Trash and unused equipment was stored in the rear of the premises and in the storage room. The collection of litter and equipment attracts vermin by providing food sources and hiding places. Mr. Hoffman issued a Food Inspection Report at the conclusion of his inspection on January 12, 1990. Respondent was given until January 17, 1990, to correct the major violations noted in Mr. Hoffman's Food Inspection Report, and was advised that a Notice to Show Cause would be issued. The premises were re-inspected by Mr. Hoffman on January 18, 1990, and a Call Back/Re-Inspection Report was issued. Respondent corrected all of the alleged rule violations found on January 12, 1990, except two. Respondent was instructed to provide proper light shields over food surfaces and to clean sides of grills, fryers, and the tops of refrigeration units. A Notice to Show Cause was issued on February 6, 1990, citing the 18 rule violations found to have existed during the inspection conducted by Mr. Hoffman on January 12, 1990.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is recommended that a fine be imposed against Respondent in an amount not to exceed $1,150. In the event that Respondent is unable to pay the fine imposed, it is further recommended that Respondent's license be suspended for a period not to exceed 20 days. RECOMMENDED in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, this 21st day of March, 1991. Daniel Manry Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 21st day of March, 1991.
The Issue Whether Respondent committed the violations set forth in the Administrative Complaint and, if so, what penalty should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants (Division), is a state agency charged with the duty and responsibility of regulating the operation of hotel and restaurant establishments pursuant to Section 20.165 and Chapter 509, Florida Statutes. At all times material to the allegations of the Administrative Complaint, Respondent was not licensed, nor has ever been licensed, by the Division. Julianne Browning is a senior sanitation and safety specialist employed by the Division and has worked for the Division as an inspector for over 15 years. Ms. Browning has a bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management. She also has work experience in the hotel and restaurant industry and received training in laws and rules regarding public food service and lodging, as well as fire safety and hazard analysis. On May 19, 2006, Ms. Browning saw Respondent operating a barbeque unit in front of a gas station located Cross City, Florida. The type of barbeque unit was a long, black cylindrical unit on a trailer designed to pull behind a vehicle. She stopped, made an inspection, and issued an inspection report. She reviewed the report with Mr. Walker at the time she issued it. During the March 19, 2006 inspection, Ms. Browning observed several violations. The primary violation is that Mr. Walker was operating his barbeque unit without a license. In addition to finding that Mr. Walker was operating a food service establishment without a license, Ms. Browning found the following violations: certain foods were not kept at their required temperatures; certain foods had been prepared at Respondent's home; the barbeque grill was portable with no floor, walls, or ceiling; there were no hand-washing facilities; there was no facility to wash, rinse, and sanitize utensils; there was no portable fire extinguisher; and Respondent had not submitted a plan review prior to operation. Neither Respondent, Mr. Walker, nor his wife, contested what was found by Ms. Browning. However, they explained that they were simply attempting to sell barbeque as a fundraiser to send their daughter on a trip to Washington, D.C. Had he known that a license was required, Mr. Walker would not have undertaken this method of fundraising. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Walker was attempting to operate a business. Mr. and Mrs. Walker's testimony in this regard is accepted as credible.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law set forth herein, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Division enter a final order which confirms the violations found and imposes an administrative penalty in the amount of $100, to be paid within 30 days of the issuance of the Agency's Final Order. DONE AND ENTERED this 25th day of January, 2007, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S BARBARA J. STAROS Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 25th day of January, 2007. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Jennifer L. Condon, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Larry Walker Post Office Box 1811 Cross City, Florida 32628 Josefina Tamayo, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulations 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 William Veach, Director Division of Hotels and Restaurants Department of Business and Professional Regulations 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792
