Three restaurants in Brevard County were closed Tuesday by county health officials after inspections revealed raw sewage backups and active rodent infestations. The closures affect a seafood restaurant in Satellite Beach, a family-owned diner in Palm Bay, and a popular taco spot near the Kennedy Space Center. Health department records show violations included exposed sewage lines, broken floor tiles allowing rodent access, and expired food stored in unsanitary conditions. "These are serious public health risks," said Brevard County Health Department Director Dr. Lisa Morales during a press briefing. "We have no choice but to shut them down until they can fix the problems." The seafood restaurant, which has been in operation for 15 years, was found to have sewage backing up into its kitchen drains. Workers at the taco spot reported seeing mice in the dining area last week, according to employee interviews. The diner in Palm Bay had multiple violations including a broken sewage pipe under the building. Inspectors issued immediate cease-and-desist orders and scheduled follow-up visits. Restaurant owners have until Friday to submit repair plans to the health department. The taco spot’s owner, Maria Gonzalez, said in a statement that she had reported the rodent issue to building management last month. "We’re cooperating fully with the investigation," she said. "We’ve already hired a plumber and pest control company." The health department has not yet confirmed if any customers fell ill from the violations. County officials say they will publish the inspection results online next week. Meanwhile, the three restaurants have lost their licenses to operate until violations are resolved. The health department is also reviewing building permits for the affected properties. "This is a wake-up call for all food businesses," Morales said. "Basic sanitation standards must be maintained at all times."
Food & Drink
Health department closes three Brevard restaurants over sewage, rodent violations
Three restaurants in Brevard County have been shut down following inspections that found raw sewage backups and rodent infestations.

Source: Florida Today