Flagler Beach, Florida's waterfront restaurant was cited for 12 violations in Flagler County

Tortugas Florida Kitchen & BarPhoto byGoogle Reviews/Canva

Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar, a waterfront establishment offering American and Caribbean cuisine in Flagler Beach, Florida, was cited for 12 violations during a routine inspection by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation on October 4, 2024.

The restaurant, located at 608 S Ocean Shore Blvd, received three high-priority, two intermediate, and seven basic violations.

This frequently visited Flagler County eatery requires a follow-up inspection to address the issues, according to state records. No closure was ordered.

Among the high-priority violations, inspectors found live, small flying insects in the kitchen and food preparation areas. Raw animal food was stored incorrectly over ready-to-eat food, and time/temperature management for safety food was held at temperatures above the required 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Intermediate violations included food-contact surfaces dirtied with food litter and a handwash sink that wasn't accessible for employee use.

Basic violations ranged from dead roaches on the premises to food stored on the floor and standing water in various areas, while the inspector's note acknowledged that this infraction was "corrected on-site."

Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar, a Flagler Beach, Flagler County establishment boasting waterfront views, maintains a 4.3-star rating from 2,981 Google reviews, indicating its popularity among patrons.

A local guide and customer named Mike Medders, shared on Google reviews: Excellent service. Delicious food. Great second floor deck. Calamari dipping sauce is AMAZING!

Another local guide and recent customer named Inna Kolt shared:

Good cafe with delicious food, drinks and disco. Cheerful music and good mood are provided here!

High Priority Violations:

• Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area
• Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food
• Time/temperature management for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit

Please note that each inspection report is a "snapshot" of conditions present at the time of the inspection, so please continue to visit the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation for updates.