Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is moving to revoke the liquor license of a Miami hotel that hosted a Christmas drag show.

Mariachiles Mexican Grill in PalatkaThe Mariachiles Mexican Grill in Palatka was shut down February 1 after the inspector recorded 18 violations during a routine inspection. The restaurant remained closed even after the inspector returned twice because more live roaches were found each time. When the inspector returned February 3, no violations were found and Mariachiles reopened with a perfect score. We thank our regulars who have stuck by us during these difficult times and the pandemic.”AdRestaurant Reports: Failing routine inspection | Failing follow-up inspection | Failing follow-up inspection | Perfect-score inspectionJBR Finest in JacksonvilleA watermelon stand at 5676 University Boulevard was given emergency shutdown orders February 5 after it was found to be operating without a license. AdRestaurant Reports: Failing inspectionAll restaurant reports are provided by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Time’s up for guests of a troubled Jacksonville motel. Monday was the deadline for those staying at the Gold Rush Inn on Harts Road to move out. In closing the motel, the state cited several health and safety issues. According to the state order, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has received nearly 200 calls for service to the motel in the last three months alone. As part of the shutdown, the motel isn’t allowed to book any new guests until the health and public safety issues have been adequately addressed.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Alcoholic beverage licenses of four establishments were suspended by the state Tuesday because of violations of rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. The state agency reported the businesses exceeded a 50% maximum indoor capacity limit and served alcohol to patrons who were shoulder to shoulder in bar areas. Department Secretary Halsey Beshears on June 26 prohibited the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption at businesses that derive more than 50% of their gross revenue from the sale of alcohol. The move essentially closed most bars and nightclubs, though establishments could remain open if they had enough revenue from food sales. Beshears has held private meetings recently with craft-brewery and bar owners to discuss ways for the businesses to reopen.

During a routine visit to the food truck on July 16, an inspector issued a stop-sale on all inventory in the mobile unit. The inspector cited Hum Hum Food Truck with a single high priority violation. The food truck had to remain closed. The roaches were gone, and the food truck received a perfect inspection, reports show. The food truck was allowed to reopen.

ORLANDO, Fla. Officials shut down two Florida strip clubs as part of a statewide crackdown on violators of an emergency order that forced bars to close in the face of rising coronavirus cases. The Tallahassee Democrat reports that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation suspended the licenses of Le Palace Otown in Orlando and Show N Tail The Legend in Panama City Beach, saying that patrons didn't observe social distancing guidelines. In both cases, the orders said DBPR had the authority to suspend a license if there is an immediate health to the public health, safety or welfare.In the case of Le Palace Otown, state regulators said, the bar was in violation of the terms of both the governors executive order for Phase 2 as well as the DBPR emergency order two weeks ago shutting bars back down. The business failed to observe social distancing guidelines, and customers were in close proximity to each other and to performers, the order said. Show N Tail required customers to pay a cover charge, which entitled them to a free alcoholic beverage and to observe any adult entertainment, according to its suspension order.

That’s considered a high priority violation. The inspector issued an emergency closure for the restaurant, but Hibachi Express reopened within a few hours with an immaculate report. The inspector’s report shows 50 rodent droppings were found. The inspector noted, approximately 20 rodent droppings were found on the floor at the bar, 15 rodent droppings were located behind a freezer in the kitchen, 5 rodent droppings were counted by the in mop sink in the closet by the kitchen, and 12 rodent droppings were seen in the closet by the server/drink room. RESTAURANT REPORTS: Failing inspection | Return inspection requiring follow-upEmergency closures of area restaurants are published every week by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Bars had been allowed to reopen June 5 in the second phase of DeSantis effort to revitalize the economy. What do you do?Under Beshears order, bars are allowed to sell drinks in sealed containers for off-site consumption. The number of coronavirus cases has soared in Florida this month, with the Department of Health on Sunday reporting an additional 8,530 cases. But the Florida Democratic Party in an online ad Sunday took a shot at DeSantis for his claims that Florida had a hold on the virus in May. With nearly 10,000 cases confirmed just yesterday (Saturday), it has never been more clear that DeSantis failed Florida.

Ron DeSantis said the state would begin cracking down on restaurants and bars that dont follow guidelines limiting the number of people inside the establishments but stood by his decision not to mandate that people wear masks. DeSantis did not mention increasing staff at the department to help with increased enforcement efforts. Other than in three South Florida counties, restaurants are allowed to operate at full capacity outside, but at only 50 of capacity inside. Bars are also allowed to operate at 50%. In Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, which have been hardest hit by the virus, restaurants can only operate at 50% capacity overall.

The cost to hire the contractor, Mayhew told members of the Senate Health Policy Committee, will be about $25 million. AHCA submitted a concept paper to the federal Department of Health and Human Services on July 21 outlining what Florida wants to do with its program. Lawmakers during the 2019 legislative session passed a measure that allows Florida to establish Canadian and international drug-importation programs. The international drug-importation program would be for residents. The international program is under the auspices of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which will be invited to speak to the Senate committee in December.

In this week's Restaurant Report, Crystal Chen spoke to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to find out what inspectors found that led to restaurants shutting down.

Most four-legged patrons of pet-friendly restaurants would have to remain outside, under a bill proposed this week by state Rep. Bruce Antone, D-Orlando. The proposal (HB 243), filed for consideration during the 2020 legislative session, would prohibit household pets from "traveling through or remaining in indoor portions" of public food establishments "in order to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the public." While the bill wouldn't pre-empt existing local ordinances, it would direct the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation to adopt rules and create a publicly accessible website for complaints. The 2020 legislative session will start Jan. 14. News Service of Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A check of three restaurants in Jacksonville uncovered problems with rodents, mold and pests. According to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, on the Southside, the Denny's on Dix Ellis Trail is waiting for a follow-up inspection. In Northwest Jacksonville, according to records, three critical violations were uncovered at the China Wok on Lem Turner Road. Flies and spider webs were just some of the repeat violations in the kitchen, records show. The restaurant passed a follow-up inspection.