Top 25 in depth: Tampa Bay
By Clancy & Gracie
Clancy: Pull up a stool. These are the 25 restaurants in Tampa Bay with the heaviest enforcement record between November 16, 2021 and November 15, 2026. Between them: 100 emergency closures, $57,360 in fines and 97 inspector-cited complaints.
100 emergency closures25 of 25 venues
$57,360 in fineson the record
97 inspector-cited complaintsadministrative
In Tampa Bay, 9 of every 100 licensed restaurants had at least one emergency closure in these five years; statewide it was 6. That is higher than the statewide rate.
- #1 EL SANTAFE MEXICAN GRILL* — Largo
Emergency closures 8 (May 2022, July 2022, January 2023, August 2023, October 2023, February 2024, March 2024, May 2024)Fines $4,200 (8)Complaints 7Order filings 34Ownership change: record kept
An ownership change was approved on January 17, 2025, but the business name stayed the same and two or more inspector complaints were filed in the year before it, so the earlier record still counts.
- #2 OYSTERS RESTAURANT — Crystal River
Emergency closures 6 (December 2021, February 2022, April 2022, June 2023, May 2024, December 2024)Fines $2,800 (6)Complaints 2Order filings 22Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: Emergency closures hit Oysters Restaurant in Crystal River in December 2021, February 2022, April 2022, June 2023, May 2024, and December 2024. The fines came to $2,800.00. The record also lists 2 inspector-cited administrative complaints.
Gracie: Bondye bon, Bouki looked at the fine total; this tally feels as long as a river path. Papa Legba keeps the crossing; I keep the evidence on this side of it.
- #3 SACRED SPICE TAMPA BAY* — CLEARWATER
Emergency closures 5 (July 2022, August 2023, March 2024, May 2024, February 2026)Fines $400 (7)Complaints 11Order filings 19Ownership change: record kept
An ownership change was approved on December 10, 2025, but the business name stayed the same, so the earlier record still counts.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: There were emergency closures in July 2022, August 2023, March 2024, May 2024, and February 2026. The fines came to $400.00. A detail from the record is that an ownership change was approved in December 2025, but the business name remained the same in CLEARWATER.
Gracie: M wè sa nan kafe a; Papa Legba let this file walk through like it never stopped moving. The candle gives light, not excuses; I am staying with the record.
- #4 CAFE BICH NGA — Pinellas Park
Emergency closures 5 (December 2021, March 2026, June 2026, August 2026, October 2026)Fines $1,400 (4)Complaints 2Order filings 21Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: The emergency closures for Cafe Bich Nga in Pinellas Park occurred in December 2021, March 2026, June 2026, August 2026, and October 2026. The fines came to $1,400.00. The record also lists 2 inspector-cited administrative complaints.
Gracie: My white candle burns steady; the rooster feather feels this weight is long. Papa Legba watched it pass through without hesitation.
- #5 OYSTER SHUCKER INC — St Pete Beach
Emergency closures 5 (September 2022, November 2022, September 2023, May 2024, June 2025)Fines $2,400 (5)Complaints 2Order filings 15Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: Emergency closures occurred in September 2022, November 2022, September 2023, May 2024, and June 2025 at this venue in St Pete Beach. The fines came to $2,400.00. The record also lists 2 inspector-cited administrative complaints.
Gracie: The gris-gris bag felt the weight of Papa Legba's gate; that tally seems longer than just a few visits. Papa Legba keeps the crossroads; I am keeping the distinction clear.
- #6 SIAM GARDEN THAI RESTAURANT — ST PETERSBURG
Emergency closures 5 (March 2022, May 2022, June 2023, August 2023, October 2023)Fines $1,600 (4)Complaints 3Order filings 15Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: There were emergency closures in March 2022, May 2022, June 2023, August 2023, and October 2023. The fines came to $1,600.00. The record also lists 3 inspector-cited administrative complaints for SIAM GARDEN THAI RESTAURANT in ST PETERSBURG.
Gracie: Bouki leans closer; Manman Brigitte keeps the count, and this tally is long. This volume of events feels like a heavy stone.
- #7 UMAI SUSHI — Largo
Emergency closures 4 (November 2024, December 2025, February 2026, September 2026)Fines $2,000 (3)Complaints 2Order filings 18Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: There were emergency closures in November 2024, December 2025, February 2026, and September 2026 at UMAI SUSHI in Largo. The fines came to $2,000.00. The record also lists 2 inspector-cited administrative complaints.
Gracie: Manman Brigitte can wait; Baron Samedi is watching this tally. That count feels like a long stretch for that little spot.
- #8 ROCKING CRAB — ST. PETERSBURG
Emergency closures 4 (January 2024, July 2024, September 2024, October 2025)Fines $3,000 (6)Complaints 5Order filings 13Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: ROCKING CRAB in ST. PETERSBURG had an emergency closure order 4 times, in January 2024, July 2024, September 2024 and October 2025. It also has $3,000.00 in fines on the books. Add 5 inspector-cited administrative complaints to that.
Gracie: I have set aside the feather to read without interruption. A little humor can sit beside a serious record without changing it.
- #9 HAO WAH CHINESE RESTAURANT — PINELLAS PARK
Emergency closures 4 (January 2022, March 2022, November 2022, January 2023)Fines $2,000 (4)Complaints 2Order filings 15Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: Emergency closures were in January 2022, March 2022, November 2022, and January 2023. The fines came to $2,000.00. This record also lists 15 order filings for HAO WAH CHINESE RESTAURANT in PINELLAS PARK.
Gracie: Closures and fines share this entry. The candle is mine; the arithmetic is theirs.
- #10 FIVE BUCKS DRINKERY — St. Petersburg
Emergency closures 4 (April 2022, July 2022, July 2024, September 2024)Fines $1,200 (3)Complaints 1Order filings 16Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: FIVE BUCKS DRINKERY in St. Petersburg had an emergency closure order 4 times, in April 2022, July 2022, July 2024 and September 2024. It also has $1,200.00 in fines on the books. Add 1 inspector-cited administrative complaint to that.
Gracie: Papa Legba has his crossroads; I am staying with this entry. The gris-gris bag can rest; this entry carries its own weight in plain ink.
- #11 GREEN TEA — Port Richey
Emergency closures 3 (August 2022, April 2025, September 2025)Fines $4,020 (6)Complaints 7Order filings 11Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: There were emergency closures in August 2022, April 2025, and September 2025 for Green Tea in Port Richey. The fines came to $4,020.00. The record also lists 7 inspector-cited administrative complaints.
Gracie: Listen closely; Bouki watched the count climb high. This tally feels like a long river flowing past.
- #12 CURRENTS — TARPON SPRINGS
Emergency closures 4 (December 2021, February 2024, April 2024, May 2026)Fines $2,320 (4)Complaints 3Order filings 12Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: The emergency closures for this venue in TARPON SPRINGS occurred in December 2021, February 2024, April 2024, and May 2026. The fines came to $2,320.00. This record also lists 3 inspector-cited administrative complaints.
Gracie: Bouki reached for the page before I finished reading. Manman Brigitte keeps her ledger; I am watching the shape of this record.
- #13 DAYS INN & SUITES PORT RICHEY — Port Richey
Emergency closures 3 (June 2023, August 2023, October 2023)Fines $5,840 (6)Complaints 5Order filings 9Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: Emergency closures happened in June 2023, August 2023, and October 2023 for DAYS INN & SUITES PORT RICHEY in Port Richey. The fines came to $5,840.00. The record also lists 6 inspector-cited administrative complaints.
Gracie: Let me read the rooster feather; this tally is like a long shadow stretching out. Bouki saw that count and just tilted his head.
- #14 THREE BIRDS TAVERN* — ST PETERSBURG
Emergency closures 4 (December 2022, February 2023, January 2025, July 2025)Fines $2,000 (4)Complaints 3Order filings 12Ownership change: record kept
An ownership change was approved on November 5, 2021, but the business name stayed the same, so the earlier record still counts.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: Emergency closures hit THREE BIRDS TAVERN in ST PETERSBURG in December 2022, February 2023, January 2025, and July 2025. The fines came to $2,000.00. That record still counts despite the November 2021 ownership change because the name remained.
Gracie: Manman Brigitte has her ledger; I have these figures. Baron Samedi can wait outside; this page can wait for daylight.
- #15 MANGO TANGOS TROPICAL GRILL† — Homosassa
Emergency closures 4 (December 2021, February 2022, October 2022, May 2023)Fines $1,000 (5)Complaints 4Order filings 12Ownership change: n.a.
The state licence is currently delinquent or inactive; that administrative status is not proof it closed.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: Mango Tangos Tropical Grill in Homosassa had emergency closures in December 2021, February 2022, October 2022, and May 2023. The fines came to $1,000.00. There are also 4 inspector-cited administrative complaints.
Gracie: With Bouki watching, Manman Brigitte keeps the figures straight. This record has many pages.
- #16 CYPRESS CREEK GOLF CLUB* — Ruskin
Emergency closures 4 (March 2026, May 2026, August 2026, October 2026)Fines $1,600 (3)Complaints 1Order filings 13Ownership change: record kept
An ownership change was approved on February 4, 2022, but the business name stayed the same, so the earlier record still counts.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: The emergency closures for Cypress Creek Golf Club in Ruskin were March 2026, May 2026, August 2026, and October 2026. The fines came to $1,600.00. Even with the February 2022 ownership change, the earlier record remains.
Gracie: At my table, Baron Samedi waits patiently; this file has a long shadow beneath it. The bag stays nearby; the record has offered its own surprise.
- #17 SIRI'S GOURMET BURGERS & PIZZA — Gulfport
Emergency closures 3 (July 2025, October 2025, August 2026)Fines $1,800 (3)Complaints 2Order filings 14Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: SIRI'S GOURMET BURGERS & PIZZA in Gulfport had an emergency closure order 3 times, in July 2025, October 2025 and August 2026. It also has $1,800.00 in fines on the books. Add 2 inspector-cited administrative complaints to that.
Gracie: Papa Legba gets the crossroads. I get the closures and fines.
- #18 CHILE VERDE — ST. PETERSBURG
Emergency closures 3 (April 2023, June 2023, September 2024)Fines $2,200 (4)Complaints 7Order filings 10Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: CHILE VERDE in ST. PETERSBURG had an emergency closure order 3 times, in April 2023, June 2023 and September 2024. It also has $2,200.00 in fines on the books. Add 7 inspector-cited administrative complaints to that.
Gracie: A capuchin is an audience, not an editor. The figures can speak for themselves, but I can still listen properly.
- #19 9 BANGKOK THAI RESTAURANT INC† — St. Petersburg
Emergency closures 3 (March 2022, July 2023, October 2025)Fines $2,600 (5)Complaints 6Order filings 10Ownership change: n.a.
The state licence is currently delinquent or inactive; that administrative status is not proof it closed.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: 9 BANGKOK THAI RESTAURANT INC in St. Petersburg had an emergency closure order 3 times, in March 2022, July 2023 and October 2025. It also has $2,600.00 in fines on the books. Add 6 inspector-cited administrative complaints to that.
Gracie: Bondye bon. Closures and fines leave little room for a short reaction.
- #20 ORCHIDS THAI RESTAURANT — Port Richey
Emergency closures 3 (November 2022, January 2023, April 2023)Fines $2,000 (3)Complaints 7Order filings 10Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: Three emergency closures hit Orchids Thai Restaurant in Port Richey: November 2022, January 2023, and April 2023. The fines came to $2,000.00. The record also lists 7 inspector-cited administrative complaints.
Gracie: A rooster feather is not a calculator, and I am not confusing the roles. My candle is steady; I am not rushing the meaning between the lines.
- #21 ANTOJITOS MEXICANOS OF FLORIDA CORP* — Clearwater
Emergency closures 3 (January 2025, March 2025, May 2025)Fines $1,600 (3)Complaints 3Order filings 13Ownership change: record kept
An ownership change was approved on June 22, 2022, but the recorded ownership-change exception applied, so the earlier record still counts.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: There were emergency closures in January 2025, March 2025, and May 2025 for Antojitos Mexicanos in Clearwater. The fines came to $1,600.00. Also, the record includes earlier filings because of an ownership change approved in June 2022.
Gracie: Bouki points at the closures, then the fines. I can read a hint.
- #22 CHILE VERDE — ST. PETERSBURG
Emergency closures 4 (June 2022, October 2023, January 2024, April 2024)Fines $1,200 (6)Complaints 0Order filings 12Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: CHILE VERDE in ST. PETERSBURG had an emergency closure order 4 times, in June 2022, October 2023, January 2024 and April 2024. It also has $1,200.00 in fines on the books.
Gracie: Reading comes before ceremony at my table. The paper has its own rhythm; I am listening before I add a word.
- #23 LANNA THAI AND SUSHI — St. Petersburg
Emergency closures 3 (December 2021, December 2023, August 2024)Fines $2,000 (3)Complaints 4Order filings 11Ownership change: n.a.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: LANNA THAI AND SUSHI in St. Petersburg had an emergency closure order 3 times, in December 2021, December 2023 and August 2024. It also has $2,000.00 in fines on the books. Add 4 inspector-cited administrative complaints to that.
Gracie: Bouki can chatter later; I am reading the closures and fines. Bondye bon; the record brought its own weather to the table.
- #24 AROMA INDIAN CUISINE AND BAR* — Largo
Emergency closures 3 (April 2023, November 2025, January 2026)Fines $3,480 (6)Complaints 7Order filings 7Ownership change: record kept
An ownership change was approved on November 25, 2024, but the business name stayed the same, so the earlier record still counts.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: Three emergency closures occurred in April 2023, November 2025, and January 2026 for Aroma Indian Cuisine and Bar in Largo. The fines came to $3,480.00. This record includes filings from before the ownership change in 2024.
Gracie: Even Bouki paused his chatter at this entry. The rooster feather is still, and that is useful when the paper is not.
- #25 PICCOLA ITALIA RESTAURANT* — ZEPHYRHILLS
Emergency closures 3 (May 2023, April 2024, July 2024)Fines $2,700 (3)Complaints 1Order filings 12Ownership change: record kept
An ownership change was approved on November 10, 2026, but the business name stayed the same, so the earlier record still counts.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: Emergency closures hit Piccola Italia Restaurant in Zephyrhills during May 2023, April 2024, and July 2024. The fines came to $2,700.00. That record still includes filings from before the November 2026 ownership change.
Gracie: Bondye bon, the figures need no assistance from my imagination. Gade pi byen; the timing says more than a grand speech could.
* Includes records from before a reported ownership change because the trading name continued and/or administrative complaints preceded the change.
† Licence has a delinquent or inactive DBPR status; that status alone does not establish closure.
Gracie: Take your time with it; the numbers will keep. 25 of these 25 had at least one emergency closure order in these five years, and every fine and complaint above is on the public record. The score counts only against whoever runs the kitchen today, so read each entry as written.
How this ranking works
Each emergency closure episode adds ten points, and each order filing inside it adds three more, so for the same number of filings a venue shut repeatedly outranks one bunched into a single closure. Every $250 in fines adds one point, and each inspector-cited administrative complaint adds two. Nearby filings (seven days or less apart) group into one episode. A tenancy boundary excludes records from before a qualifying ownership change unless the documented exception applies. Read the methodology.
Read Clancy and Gracie commentary
Clancy: Eight emergency closures hit El Santafe Mexican Grill in Largo: May 2022, July 2022, January 2023, August 2023, October 2023, February 2024, March 2024, and May 2024. The fines came to $4,200.00. That record also lists 7 inspector-cited administrative complaints.
Gracie: Gade pi byen; the coffee grounds swirl slow like Manman Brigitte's spirit. This tally feels heavy, like a gris-gris bag filled with river stones.