An Italian restaurant in Kissimmee was forced to temporarily close its doors for the fifth time this year, and the second time in two weeks, after a health inspector found dozens of rat droppings around the facility.
Little Italy, which is located at 2901 B-1 Parkway Boulevard in Kissimmee, was forced to temporarily close on Wednesday, October 12, after an inspector from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation cited 14 health code violations.
During the inspection, over 100 rodent droppings were found on floors, boxes, and old menus, among multiple other areas around the kitchen.
In addition to rat droppings, the inspector reported one instance of a dead rat stuck to a trap behind the cook line.
The inspector also found that multiple items were not properly tagged with dates as to when they were last served in the establishment.
On Monday, September 26, the restaurant was forced to close after the health inspector cited similar violations. During that inspection, rodent rub marks were found along walls and ceilings, and over 100 rodent droppings were found around the kitchen. Additionally, dead rodents were found in multiple glue traps around the restaurant. The business was permitted to reopen on Tuesday, September 27, despite at least 12 of the same violations remaining.
In July, the restaurant was closed for 14 different violations, including one for the presence of rodent activity, as evidenced by 100 rodent droppings found all around the kitchen and storage areas. Similarly, the business was permitted to reopen the following day, despite dozens of violations remaining.
In April, the facility was temporarily closed for two days after over 160 flying insects were found around the kitchen.