Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said five citations and 11 warnings have been issued to businesses found to be out of compliance with the new COVID-19 executive order.
“This, however, does represent just a small fraction of our county businesses that have been out of compliance,” Demings said during a Thursday press conference.
Demings signed the executive order on Dec. 4 and it went into effect on Sunday.
The order requires a business to ensure both employees and customers wear face coverings, to encourage telework or allow a rotation schedule for employees, to monitor its checkout points and staging areas for social distancing requirements by floor markings or similar actions, and to post appropriate signage throughout each physical location.
Orange County’s Business Compliance, or strike teams, are responsible for visiting businesses and helping them achieve COVID-19 compliance through the implementation of proper workplace guidelines and procedures, the website states.
During Thursday’s press conference, Demings said the strike teams have been visiting businesses for 106 days to ensure businesses within the county are following COVID-19 guidelines — as of Sunday, the teams have the ability to issue warnings and citations.
“Our teams will continue to ensure our residents have safe businesses to patronize,” he said during the press conference.
Citations Issued
Three resturants, a car dealership and a retail store were issued citations between Wednesday and Thurday. Knight News obtained an example of a citation issued to businesses, and the records kept by the strike teams from each visit through Thursday, from Orange County.
Businesses issued a fine have two options — pay the fine within 14 days or take the citation to court.
All businesses listed in the spreadsheet — whether a citation or warning was issued — were said to be “not in compliance,” and not one was found to be “in compliance” of following the mandatory facial covering executive order, records show.
These are the five businesses the strike teams issued citations for between Wednesday and Thursday, and the details written in the spreadsheet. The pdf of the spreadsheet Knight News obtained can be read here.
Country House Restaurant — 13394 W Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, FL 34787 — Restaurant/Bar/Food Establishment:
- Citation issued.
- Comment:
- “During the inspection, we observed one employee walk through the restaurant without a mask. A photo was taken.”
- Complaint origin listed as citizen complaint.
- Visit: Fifth.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: Yes.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: Yes.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: No.
Napoli Pizza & Sub Inc — 6602 Old Winter Garden Rd. Orlando, FL 32835 — Restaurant/Bar/Food Establishment:
- Citation issued.
- Comment:
- “We observed three employees working in a small area without masks on. The employees also were observed at distances of less than 6 feet of customers. A photo was taken and a citation will be issued.”
- Complaint origin listed as proactive visit.
- Visit: Third.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: Yes.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: Yes.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: No.
Hong Fu — 5601 S Orange Ave, Edgewood, FL 32809 — Restaurant/Bar/Food Establishment:
- Citation issued.
- Comment:
- “Officer Left mask signage , hand sanitizer , face mask and face shields , kitchen staff not wearing masks no signage/ 10/30/2020 Spoke with owner again , left second set of masks signs , none of employees wearing masks , no social distancing markers , requested that owner place mask signage by front door , left hand sanitizer again-11/20/20 staff behind plastic partition , cooking not wearing masks , requested again that all staff wears masks–12/09/2020 Team enter rest. all kitchen staff not wearing masks – spoke with Zhixiang try to explained reason for visit language barrier , obtained DL and issue for (b) business shall ensure that staff wears masks when within 6ft of each other . Decided not to hand citation due several comments of customers/ will mailed out issued cite 1662.”
- Complaint origin listed as proactive visit.
- Visit: Fourth.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: Yes.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: No.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: No.
- Other compliance issues?: N/a.
USA Smoke Shop — 5170 S John Young Pkwy. Orlando, FL 32839 — Retail Establishment:
- Citation issued.
- Comment:
- “Spoke w. Mohamed 1 employee and a customer not wearing masks , no signage . Officer left mask signage–11/06/20 Spoke with Mohamed again , not wearing masks while dealing with customer , explained need to use masks , masks signage posted-12/01/2020 Once again walked into store Mohamed was dealing with a customer without a masks , Officer ask him again to please wear a mask when dealing with customers , couple of customers walked in not wearing masks. Officer left notice of non compliance.-12/09/2020 Mohamed once again dealing with customer not wearing a mask , he argue that he is behind plastic barrier , Officer explained that a 2 x 2 plastic sheet is not going to stop the spread of virus , issued citation 1659 for $300. B business shall ensure that employees wear masks when within 6ft of someone else.”
- Complaint origin listed as proactive visit.
- Visit: Fourth.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: No.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: No.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: No.
Universal Hyundai — 12801 S Orange Blossom Trl. Orlando, FL 32837 — Car Dealership:
- Citation issued.
- Comment:
- “Observed multiple [e]mplyees not wearing masks or not wearing masks properly. Spoke with GM and explained violation, new Executive Order and issued citation.”
- Complaint origin listed as proactive visit.
- Visit: Second.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: Yes.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: Yes.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: Yes.
- “Exit being blocked by signs.”
Warnings Issued
Demings said 11 businesses were issued warnings between Tuesday and Thursday. Knight News obtained an example of a warning notice from the county that a business may receive from the strike team.
These are the 11 businesses issued warnings for failing to comply with the executive order between Tuesday and Thursday, and the details written in the spreadsheet. The pdf of the spreadsheet Knight News obtained can be read here.
Miracle Mattress & Furniture — 2761 N Hiawassee Rd. Orlando, FL 32818 — Retail Establishment:
- Warning issued.
- Comment:
- “We observed one employee working without a mask. He did not have a mask to put on when people walked within 6 feet. We spoke with owner Marie Anjou. She said she will address her employees about wearing masks. A written warning was issued.”
- Complaint origin listed as proactive visit.
- Visit: Second.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: Yes.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: No.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: No.
Autozone — 7630 S Orange Blossom Trl. Orlando, FL 32809 — Retail Establishment:
- Warning issued
- Comment:
- “ Spoke with William Store Manager advised him of several customers not wearing masks inside store , he explained that they had try to enforce masks issues in past and customers would get aggressive with staff , left copy of executive order- 11/24/20 Once again customers not wearing masks , spoke with William explained that he could refused service to any customer that refuses to wear a mask–12/08/2020 a group of customers walked inside store as we waited to speak with manager , clerk asked one of them to please wear a mask and he refused , second customer walked out of store. Officer asked customer to please wear a mask he also refused my offer and got combative. Spoke with William asked him to start enforcing masks inside business or refusing service . left citation warning and explained next visit he will be cited for failure to comply.”
- Complaint origin listed as proactive visit.
- Visit: Third.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: No.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: Yes.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: N/a.
Mi Bandera Supermarket — 4156 W Oak Ridge Rd. Orlando, FL 32809 — Restaurant/Bar/Food Establishment:
- Warning issued.
- Comment:
- “Employees not wearing masks , front register , cooking staff and store manager , Officer explained reason for visit and still several employees remained without masks , Officer left mask signage in spanish , creole and english only mask signage was for masks for sale.// Employees not wearing masks , kitchen staff , front register nor manager. Spoke with Edward again explained that masks are still required in Orange County .- 11/06/20 Again staff not wearing masks , 4 customers not wearing masks inside store , mask signage posted on front doors ,no manager onsite spoke with cashier explained the need to wear masks-12/01/2020 kitchen staff and several customers not wearing masks , left letter of non compliance with lady at front register , explained reason for visit-12/08/2020 Spoke with Etduars Manager left citation warning advised of possible fines”
- Complaint origin listed as proactive visit.
- Visit: Fifth.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: No.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: No.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: Yes.
- “Customers and staff from restaurant not wearing masks”
Sunoco — 4138 W Oak Ridge Rd. Orlando, FL 32809 — Gas Station Convenience Store:
- Warning issued.
- Comment:
- “Spoke with Dayrin , explain reason for visit and educated her about masks requirement , 2 employees behind counter not wearing masks issued letter of non compliance advised her of re inspection , Officer left mask signage in spanish and english// Employees not wearing masks , and about 10 customers walking into store not wearing masks , County masks signage posted on front doors but not being enforced by owner–11/05/20 4 to 5 customers not wearing masks , signage for masks posted on front doors but owners not enforcing it , explained executive order again.-11/30/20 Masks signage still posted , but customers and employees still not wearing masks , Spoke with Serin and explained reason for visit and ask for their cooperation in enforcing masks , left letter of non compliance.–12/08/2020 As we pulled into gas station parking lot several customers walking out of store not wearing masks , employees behind plastic barrier wearing masks.”
- Complaint origin listed as proactive visit.
- Visit: Fifth.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: No.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: No.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: Yes.
- “Spoke with Owner Ali Amhed explained reason for visit and need to enforce masks mandate for customers , advised him that he has the right to refused service if customer doesn’t comply with masks mandate . Left citation warning giving him 48 hrs to comply.”
Universal Service Center — 5989 Turkey Lake Rd. Orlando, FL 32819 — Auto Repair Shop:
- Warning issued.
- Comment:
- “ No face mask signage at entry door. Observed all employees not wearing face masks. **UPDATE** 10/22 Observed all employees and some customers without face masks. Manager on duty refuses to enforce mask mandate. **UPDATE** 12/8 Observed multiple employees not wearing face masks. Spoke with manager and issued warning.”
- Complaint origin listed as a citizen complaint.
- Visit: Third
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: No.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: No.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: No.
7-Eleven — 4501 Conway Rd. Orlando, FL 32811 — Gas Station Convenience Store:
- Warning issued.
- Comment:
- “Citizen states the business is not following the current face mask requirements. [At] any point of entry, you are guaranteed to find an employee with their mask hanging from their ear, under their nose, or completely missing. Customers enter without a [mask] 12/9/20: During our inspection, we observed an employee walk within 6 feet of us with her mask below her chin. A citation warning was issued to the business.”
- Complaint origin listed as a citizen complaint.
- Visit: First.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing?: Yes.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: Yes.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: yes.
- Other compliance issues?: No.
Anthony’s Pizzeria Delivery — 1206 East Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32803 — Restaurant/Bar/Food Establishment:
- Warning issued.
- Comment:
- “Citizen states the kitchen and cashier staff were not wearing mask. The cashier had her mask down below her nose. The guy making the pizza did not have on a mask either. Upon inspection on 12/9/2020, manager was notified of the mask wearing requirements and issued a warning.”
- Complaint origin listed as a citizen complaint.
- Visit: Second.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: Yes.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: Yes.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: No.
Pedro Tire Inc — 1718 N Goldenrod Rd # 11, Orlando, FL 32807 — Retail Establishment:
- Warning issued.
- Comment:
- “no signage/ owner pedro not in a mask. said the county harrasses him every day and he has been here for 40 yrs. tried multiple times to talk to him but he just kept talking over me. 11/11- business and owner in same condition. 12/3- owner still operating without any mask. 12/9-arrived and owner pedro was talking to patron without a mask on. no sign on door either. provided new sign which was hung. pedro said he puts on his mask when people come up. he put one on while here. explained possible citation next time.”
- Complaint origin listed as proactive visit.
- Visit: Fourth.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: Yes.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: No.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: No.
- Other compliance issues?: Yes.
- “Entire store is filled with tires. owner pedro was sitting in a chair inside the door which was the only opening.”
Firestone — 8202 Lake Underhill Rd. Orlando, FL 32825 — Retail Establishment:
- Warning issued.
- Comment:
- “Signage on door. Markers on floor and sanitizer avail. met with nate and explained that staff in bays need to be in masks when they interact with each other. 2 guys were within 6 ft in the bays talking when we arrived without masks on. 12/9- arrived and saw 2 guys in the garage bays talking closer then 6ft without masks. went inside and all staff in masks. talked to nate again and advised him what was seen. handed him written warning and [educate] them about possible citation.”
- Complaint origin listed as proactive visit.
- Visit: Second.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: Yes.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: Yes.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: No.
Muffler Man — 9305 S Orange Blossom Trl. Orlando, FL 32837 — Retail Establishment:
- Warning issued.
- Comment:
- “Citizen states the employees in the office and business does not wear a mask or have it posted on their door that a mask is required. **Inspector Input** No face mask signage on entry door. Also observed no employees or customers wearing face mask. Provided face masks and face mask signage.”
- Complaint origin listed as a citizen complaint.
- Visit: Second.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: Yes.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: no.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: Yes.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: No.
- Other compliance issues?: No.
Pio Pio Latin Cuisine — 2259 S Semoran Blvd. Orlando, FL 32822 — Restaurant/Bar/Food Establishment:
- Warning issued.
- Comment:
- “No sign on door. i provided one. no waiting inside/either seated right away or wait in car. no capacity issue. some staff not wearing mask and some not worn properly. 9/30- arrived and found 2 kitchen staff without masks. talked to manager havera about issues. told him we will recheck again. 10/22- health dept found 2 people in kitchen again with the mask pulled down off face working. 12/10- signage and markers on floor. sanitizer avail. met with vanessa and upon looking at kitchen staff 1 was without mask. explained and left copy of mandate with manager vanessa. also issued warning notice for 1 week compliance.”
- Complaint origin listed as proactive visit.
- Visit: Fourth.
- Status: Not in compliance.
- Business is practicing social distancing: Yes.
- Business is following the mandatory facial covering Executive Order: No.
- Business is maintaining checkpoints and floor markings to assist patrons in staying six feet apart: yes.
- Business has posted signage reminding patrons and employees to wear masks, social distance, and to follow safety protocols: Yes.
- Other compliance issues?: No.
A spokesperson for Orange County said in an email to Knight News that as of 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, the teams have visited 5,750 businesses with an overall compliance rate of 98% — this includes re-inspection of businesses.
- First visit compliance rate: 87%.
- Number of follow-up Inspections: 652.
- Compliance rate: 81%.
- Number of businesses visited three times: 109.
- Compliance rate: 67%.
- Number of businesses visited four times: 40.
- Compliance rate – 58%.
- Number of businesses visited five times: 10.
- Compliance rate: 20%.
- Number of businesses visited six times: 6.
- Compliance Rate: 67%.
Business Category Number Visited and Compliance Rates
Strike teams have visited 2,168 restaurants/bars/food establishments and 99% have been in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines, a spokesperson for Orange County said.
The teams have visited 1,511 retail establishments with 98% in compliance, and have visited 697 personal services businesses with 98% compliance.
Gas stations and convenience stores have been visited 359 times with 98% in compliance, and 111 gyms have been visited with 98% in compliance, the spokesperson said in an email to Knight News.
Additionally, 100 car dealerships have been visited by the teams with 93% in compliance, and 21 hotels and motels have been visited with 100% in compliance.
This is a developing story. Check back with Knight News for updates.
