Two Keys eateries closed for rodent activity, now reopened after reinspections

Rodent droppings, live roaches and food-safety lapses forced two well-known Florida Keys eateries to close April 8, but both were back open after cleanup and reinspections. Party Cake Bakery in Key Largo and M.E.A.T. Eatery and Taproom in Islamorada were each ordered shut after inspectors found conditions that state health officials say can pose a significant threat to public health and sanitation.

Party Cake Bakery, at 103200 Overseas Highway, was cited for 15 violations. Inspectors documented about 12 rodent droppings on top of a dishwasher next to the cook line, about 5 droppings under the dishwasher and about 8 more near a back door by the oven. They also reported mold-like buildup inside the ice machine and bin, several prepared sandwiches and other items that were not time-marked, a stop-sale on temperature-abused food and the absence of a currently certified food service manager while four or more employees were handling food.

In Islamorada, M.E.A.T. Eatery and Taproom, at 88005 Overseas Highway, was closed after a complaint-based inspection turned up 9 violations. Inspectors found 2 rodent droppings in a handwashing sink, 3 droppings on the dish machine and about 7 live roaches on dry-food shelving. The report also noted tracking powder pesticide used inside the establishment, soiled food-contact surfaces, an expired employee training record for some staff and an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license marked as a repeat violation.

Both restaurants were allowed to reopen after cleanup and reinspection, a common enforcement outcome in Florida once inspectors determine the problems have been corrected. The Florida Department of Health says county health departments conduct routine inspections, re-inspections and complaint inspections, and DOH-Monroe serves residents and visitors across the Keys from main sites in Tavernier, Marathon and Key West.

The closures underscore how quickly a routine inspection or complaint call can turn into a shutdown when sanitation breaks down. For diners moving between Key Largo, Islamorada and the rest of Monroe County, the reopening means both kitchens were checked, cleaned and cleared before serving again.