At least five restaurants in Brevard County have closed temporarily following recent health department inspections that uncovered violations. The closures, which began in early March 2024, involve establishments in Palm Bay, Titusville, and Cocoa. Inspectors found evidence of rodent activity, unhygienic insect conditions, and refrigeration units not maintaining required temperatures. "These issues pose a direct risk to public health," said a statement from the Brevard County Health Department. "We take all violations seriously and will follow up until conditions improve." One affected restaurant, The Coastal Grille in Palm Bay, posted a notice on its door stating it would remain closed until repairs are completed. The health department has not named the restaurants publicly, citing ongoing investigations. Local residents expressed concern over the closures. Maria Gonzalez, a regular at The Coastal Grille, said, "I didn’t expect to see this happen here. I hope they fix it quickly." Restaurants cited for temperature control failures included a seafood market in Titusville and a family-owned diner in Cocoa. Inspectors found refrigeration units in the diner were not keeping food at safe temperatures for over 48 hours. Health department officials emphasized that all closures are temporary and require passing re-inspections. A spokesperson noted that 12 restaurants in the county have been cited for similar issues since January. Some owners have already begun renovations, while others are working with health inspectors to address problems. The health department has not yet announced fines for any of the establishments. Meanwhile, customers are being advised to check for health department ratings before dining. A map of current violations is available on the county’s website. The closures have sparked discussions about food safety in the area, with some residents calling for stricter oversight. "This should be a wake-up call," said local council member James Carter. "We need to ensure these issues don’t happen again."