Fernandina Beach, Nassau County

THE HAPPY TOMATO

7 S 3 ST, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

FoodSeating
Latest violations
3
1 Intermediate
May 18, 2026
City
Fernandina Beach
County
Nassau
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
11

Violation history

Florida violations grouped by priority level over time.

Inspection history

Florida inspections are violation-priority based, with high priority, intermediate, and basic counts shown separately.

May 18, 2026

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 1Basic: 2Total: 3

02C-03-5

Detail 24582128

Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Cut watermelon from 5/15 not marked

14-11-5

Detail 24582126

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket on flip top cooler

10-07-4

Detail 24582127

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Knife and tongs in water 77f water discarded Corrected On-Site

Dec 8, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 3Basic: 10Total: 14

41-10-4

Detail 24234630

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a can of sterno on rack with clean dishes at cook line entrance. Operator moved item to mop sink closet. Corrected On-Site

22-02-4

Detail 24234629

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on triple sink heavily soiled with stains. Cutting board on cook line, soiled with stains. Can opener on food prep table soiled with old food debris.

02C-02-5

Detail 24234623

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed chicken prepared onsite on 12/4 per manager, not date marked in reach in cooler on cook line.

41-17-4

Detail 24234632

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle in mop bucket closet not labeled, operator labeled bottle. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

22-20-5

Detail 24234622

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine has a build up of mold like substance.

14-01-5

Detail 24234621

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed no handle bowl in spices container in cabinet on prep line, operator removed the no handle bowl. Corrected On-Site

36-34-5

Detail 24234631

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling in smoker area is heavily soiled with old grease residue.

12B-02-4

Detail 24234626

Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Operator had drink on shelf beneath cash register area, drink was on shelf just above sodas to be sold to the public. Operators moved drink to a designated area. Observed multiple drink in reach in cooler at the end of cook line, operator segregated all employee drinks. Corrected On-Site

14-10-4

Detail 24234625

Basic - Equipment or utensils not designed or constructed in a durable manner. Spachela hanging above triple sink chipping around the edges.

33-09-4

Detail 24234628

Basic - Garbage not placed in a receptacle for storage until pick up to make the garbage inaccessible to insects and rodents. Multiple trash bags observed on side of building.

33-23-4

Detail 24234624

Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Grease receptacle not on absorbent surface. Repeat Violation

02D-03-4

Detail 24234634

Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Cookies on front counter at entrance no labeling for self serve, cookies where removed from counter. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

23-03-4

Detail 24234620

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan at beginning of cook line, heavily soiled with dust. Fan in smoker areas heavily soiled with dust.

25-05-4

Detail 24234633

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed multiple single serve items on floor in attic area. Repeat Violation

47-02-4

Detail 24234627

Observed scorch marks around electrical outlet. For reporting purposes only. Electrical adapter near microwaves had melted socket and scorch marks.

Feb 11, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 4Basic: 6Total: 13

03D-01-5

Detail 23546458

High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Three (3) pans of cooked pork 72F. Pork began cooling more than two (2) hours prior. Pork discarded. See stop sale.

01B-36-5

Detail 23546454

High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours. See stop sale. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Three (3) pans of cooked pork 72F. Pork began cooling more than two (2) hours prior. Pork discarded. See stop sale.

29-34-4

Detail 23546461

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Preventer missing on outside faucet near pit area where gray hose is attached.

35A-11-4

Detail 23546464

Intermediate - Evidence of feeding stray/wild animals - food/water bowls provided outside. Food and water bowls for black stray cat (observed) near outdoor walk in cooler and pit area.

31A-11-4

Detail 23546455

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand washing sink on make line used to fill container of water for stray cat.

11-26-1

Detail 23546456

Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Employee working in front counter area. Employee was informed and sign health responsibility sheet during inspection. Corrected On-Site

41-17-4

Detail 23546459

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing blue chemical cleaner stored under triple sink is not labeled. Bottle labeled. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

21-19-4

Detail 23546465

Basic - Clean wiping cloth supply not properly stored. White sanitizer bucket stored on shelf with bbq sauces. Bucket moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site

13-03-4

Detail 23546460

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee working on make line. Repeat Violation

33-23-4

Detail 23546466

Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Grease receptacle on grass/dirt. Repeat Violation

36-24-5

Detail 23546462

Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall behind/under ice machine and triple sink. Repeat Violation

02D-03-4

Detail 23546457

Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Cookies on front counter ledge have no labeling. Cookies moved to behind counter and employees will hand out to guests (no longer self service). Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

25-05-4

Detail 23546463

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Multiple cases of single use items on floor in attic. Repeat Violation

Sep 16, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 1Basic: 8Total: 12

01B-02-5

Detail 23149378

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler below flip top cooler, Swiss cheese stored overnight 54F. Swiss cheese discarded. See stop sale.

03A-02-5

Detail 23149369

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top cooler on sandwich make line, cut tomatoes 46F. Tomatoes placed into service approximately 10 minutes prior. Flip top cooler top kept closed to cool. In reach in cooler below flip top cooler, Swiss cheese stored overnight 54F. Swiss cheese discarded. See stop sale.

41-10-4

Detail 23149372

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Two containers of lighter fluid stored next to plastic bottles of sauces. Lighter fluid moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site

41-17-4

Detail 23149368

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing yellow chemical cleaner stored in mop sink area. Operator labeled. Corrected On-Site

14-45-4

Detail 23149376

Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Cardboard lining shelves across from front line.

50-09-4

Detail 23149379

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed expired 06/01/2024. Operator states has license in email and will print/post. Corrective Action Taken

13-03-4

Detail 23149374

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee preparing food on make line. Repeat Violation

33-23-4

Detail 23149377

Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Grease receptacle on side of establishment.

36-24-5

Detail 23149375

Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall under triple sink near make line.

02D-03-4

Detail 23149371

Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Cookies prepared at the establishment stored at front counter for self service have no labeling. Cookies moved behind counter. Corrected On-Site

25-05-4

Detail 23149370

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Multiple single use items stored on floor in upstairs storage area.

36-02-5

Detail 23149373

Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Floor on sandwich make line in kitchen. Floor under outside smoker.

Jan 10, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 2Basic: 4Total: 6

31A-11-4

Detail 22556621

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee scrubbing dish rack in handsink, Employee moved over to triple sink Corrected On-Site

53B-02-5

Detail 22556624

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One lady employee in kitchen states 1 year on job

13-03-4

Detail 22556623

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Repeat Violation

14-11-5

Detail 22556622

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on flip top cooler torn

14-38-4

Detail 22556626

Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Clear lids over chicken salad cracked

10-07-4

Detail 22556625

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Knife and tongs in water 76f discarded water Corrected On-Site

Jul 12, 2023

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 2Basic: 2Total: 6

09-05-5

Detail 22117808

High Priority - Employee not following establishment's approved Alternative Operating Procedure for bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food. Employee not using second method of AOP which is sanitizer for this location

01B-24-5

Detail 22117806

High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Pan of chicken in walk in cooler Dated 7/4 Today is 7/12

31A-11-4

Detail 22117807

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Dishwasher used handsink to wash green bowl that pull pork was stored in.

02C-02-5

Detail 22117805

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Tuna salad, establishment makes larger batch and transfer to smaller pans, large pan was completed and unable to show date made

13-07-4

Detail 22117804

Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Cloth type bracelet on wrist on women employee in kitchen

13-03-4

Detail 22117803

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Owner on line

Jan 20, 2023

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 3Basic: 3Total: 7

03A-02-5

Detail 21715375

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Brisket 60-84 in walk In cooler dated 1-19-23 Hot brisket placed under previous day brisket

35A-11-4

Detail 21715371

Intermediate - Evidence of feeding stray/wild animals - food/water bowls provided outside. Bowl with pellets and water next to outside walk in cooler

22-02-4

Detail 21715372

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine area slime on white deflector

53A-05-6

Detail 21715373

Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 4 employees on shift. No.manager in charge per sandwich maker on line

13-03-4

Detail 21715377

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook on line no hair restraint Repeat Violation

09-04-5

Detail 21715374

Basic - Establishment does not have a written copy of their approved Alternative Operating Procedure for bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food.

09-07-5

Detail 21715376

Basic - Food employee not using the two additional control measures after washing hands as required by the Alternative Operating Procedure for bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food. No bare hand contact allowed with ready-to-eat food. Employee washed hands with soap dried hands and went to grab bread to make sandwiches

Jul 19, 2022

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 2Basic: 4Total: 6

22-02-4

Detail 21202735

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Upper area of dish machine around know at top and alone inner side walls

31A-11-4

Detail 21202736

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Guy employee on line rinsed of whip cream can in handsink

13-07-4

Detail 21202740

Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Prep person on line wearing watch while packing macaroni salad

13-03-4

Detail 21202738

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Both employees on prep line Repeat Violation

23-03-4

Detail 21202737

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan on wall blowing into kitchen filled with dust

16-46-4

Detail 21202739

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Container dated 7-12 and 7-16 Asked employee he stated it's from 7-16. He has no way of correcting date he states

Feb 1, 2022

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 2Basic: 1Total: 4

12A-11-4

Detail 20829452

High Priority - Employee used the bathroom and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands upon returning to employee area. Employees grabbed 2 slices of bread after returning from restroom Employee states washed hands in restroom Employee washed in kitchen Corrected On-Site

22-02-4

Detail 20829451

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Around knobs in ice machine Repeat Violation

31A-11-4

Detail 20829454

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee using hand sink to fill up white bucket, to fill triple sink

13-03-4

Detail 20829453

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Sandwich maker on line Repeat Violation

Oct 26, 2021

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Basic: 3Total: 3

22-20-5

Detail 20617680

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. In ice machine in kitchen upper area around deflector Warning - From follow-up inspection 2021-10-26: Corners still have build up Time Extended

13-03-4

Detail 20617682

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook on line Warning - From follow-up inspection 2021-10-26: Both employees in kitchen still no hair restraints Time Extended

14-69-4

Detail 20617681

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach in freezer under triple sink Warning - From follow-up inspection 2021-10-26: Still built up with ice Time Extended

Aug 25, 2021

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 1Basic: 5Total: 7

02C-01-5

Detail 20460647

High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Pasta salad in walk in cooler dated as made today operator states made yesterday, product given extra day of use discussed with operator Warning

53A-03-7

Detail 20460649

Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Richard Bolton expired 2-28-21, only certificate for establishment Warning

22-20-5

Detail 20460648

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. In ice machine in kitchen upper area around deflector Warning

13-03-4

Detail 20460646

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook on line Warning

08B-47-4

Detail 20460645

Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. 2 boxes of meat on floor of walk in cooler Warning

14-69-4

Detail 20460644

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach in freezer under triple sink Warning

10-07-4

Detail 20460650

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Knives and tongs stored in water 88° , water discarded Corrected On-Site Warning