Florida’s Seafood Restaurant Closed for 2nd Time This Year After Inspection

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Jacksonville’s popular seafood spot, Sam’s St. John’s Seafood, has been closed for the second time this year following multiple health code violations during a recent inspection.

Sam’s St. John’s Seafood, located at 7949 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, has faced another temporary closure after a state inspection by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on October 7, 2024. This marks the second time this year that the restaurant has been shut down due to health and safety concerns.

What Led to the Closure?

During the inspection on October 7, health inspectors noted nine violations, ranging from basic to high-priority concerns. Some of the key issues included:

• Basic violations: Missing drain covers, mold-like substances on the floor, excessive grease accumulation on fryers, and storage of unused equipment.
• Intermediate violation: The interior of the oven had food debris buildup.
• High-priority violations: Live insects and roaches were found, along with improperly stored shrimp that had exceeded the safe seven-day storage period after preparation.

These violations, especially those involving pests and expired food, were serious enough to warrant the temporary closure of the restaurant.

The Follow-Up Inspection

A follow-up inspection was conducted after the closure, and although five violations remained, the restaurant met the necessary inspection standards to reopen. Despite reopening, these lingering issues indicate that the restaurant still has work to do in maintaining consistent compliance with health codes.

Previous Closures

This isn’t the first time Sam’s St. John’s Seafood has faced health inspection-related problems. Back in July 2024, the restaurant was also shut down temporarily after an inspection uncovered 17 violations. While the restaurant was able to address those concerns and reopen shortly after, the recurrence of issues raises questions about long-term management and adherence to health guidelines.

What’s Next for Sam’s St. John’s Seafood?

As the restaurant faces its second closure in a matter of months, its management will need to prioritize maintaining health and safety standards to avoid future disruptions. With the next inspection yet to be scheduled, patrons and staff alike will be hoping that this will be the last of these temporary shutdowns.

The restaurant’s popularity and its reputation for quality seafood may keep customers coming back, but continued operational improvements will be crucial for keeping the doors open long-term.