Turtle Shack Cafe
101 Palm Harbor Pkwy 123, Palm Coast, FL 32137 · Permanent Food Service · License 2800931
What drove the grade
Live, small flying insects found.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Aug 28 routine inspection3 high priority, 1 intermediate (fixed on the spot, 1 repeat), 7 basic-28
- Administrative complaint on Aug 28Counts in full until a follow-up finds the problems fixed-20
- Safety score52
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
1 inspection · 1 visitRoutine inspection
- First visitAug 28, 2026 Administrative complaint
Serious or repeated problems led the inspector to recommend formal action by the state, which can include fines.
11 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority3
Code 01, Approved source; food safe and unadulterated: Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition.
Observed raw tuna bearing thawing method instructions not properly thawed.
Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Live, small flying insects found.
Observed 4 live flying insects 3 in kitchen area and 1 behind bar.
Code 50, Current license displayed: Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Observed operator is open and operating with an expired license as of 6/1/2026.
Administrative complaint
Intermediate1
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.
Observed can opener blade has build up. Operator took to dish area to be cleaned.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
Basic7
Code 06, Food properly thawed: Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner.
Observed raw tuna bearing thawing method instructions not properly thawed.
Code 16, Dishwashing facilities and test kits: Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Observed top exterior of dishwasher has build up.
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Observed ice machine deflector plate soiled with build up.
Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
Observed reach in cooler drawers on cook line gaskets soiled with food debris.
Code 24, Clean equipment storage and air drying: Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Observed cups near soda station wet nesting.
Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Observed gap beneath exterior back door that shines light through.
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Ceiling tile missing.
Observed ceiling tiles missing above triple sink area. Operator in the process of getting ductwork.
Reading this report
Priority levels
- High priority The problems most likely to make someone sick directly.
- Intermediate Could lead to a high-priority problem if not fixed.
- Basic Best practices and general upkeep.
Terms in the inspectors’ reports
- Time/temperature control for safety food
- Food that has to be kept hot, at 135°F or above, or cold, at 41°F or below, to stay safe: meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, cooked rice and beans, cut melons and the like.
- Food-contact surface
- Anything food touches, such as cutting boards, utensils, counters and the inside of ice machines.
- Nonfood-contact surface
- Surfaces food doesn’t touch, such as the outsides of equipment, handles and door gaskets.
- Stop sale
- An order that the food can’t be sold or served.
- Wet nesting
- Stacking dishes or containers before they have dried, which traps moisture where germs can grow.