Roaches and Hurricane Matthew hit local restaurants

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax had to combine two weeks’ worth of inspections because of continuous Hurricane Matthew coverage, but the storm didn’t stop health inspectors from doing their job.

At Copeland’s of New Orleans on Southside Boulevard, a health inspector issued a stop sale on ribs and buffalo chicken dip due to temperature issues. The inspector saw a sauce with a mold-like growth and the burblanc sauce expired. A follow-up inspection is required.

A health inspector visited Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ in St. Augustine. The health inspector saw more than 20 live roaches, dead roaches and live flies in the kitchen. It was temporarily shut down and reopened after a second follow-up inspection.

Action News Jax visited Luigi’s Restaurant on University Boulevard. An inspector saw more than 50 live roaches, more than 60 dead roaches and issued a stop sale on sugar and ice because of roaches in it. It was temporarily shut down and remained closed after a follow-up inspection. It was allowed to reopen after a third inspection.

The owner invited Action News Jax anchor Romney Smith into the kitchen. He bought Luigi’s in 1967 and says he’s never had to deal with pest control issues on top of hurricane clean up, but he wants his customers to know one thing.

“I tell you, 'I’m sorry and I’m gonna call the extermination people to come and do it again,'” said the owner.

Keep in mind that many restaurants may also be dealing with Hurricane Matthew clean up. Hundreds lost power and had to throw out all their food, so don’t be surprised if your favorite place is still closed right now.

RELATED: Look up a restaurant’s most recent inspection by name

RELATED: File a complaint against a restaurant

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