THE WHALE

Name: THE WHALE
Address: 1249 ESTERO BLVD, FORT MYERS BEACH, FL, 33931, US
Rating: 87.9

1249 ESTERO BLVD, FORT MYERS BEACH, FL 33931

License #4608001

87.9 Grade B / 100

Solid Health Score

How is this score calculated? →

Quick take

THE WHALE in FORT MYERS BEACH currently holds an InspectFL Health Score of 87.9 out of 100 — a B grade — generally clean with some minor or moderate violations on record. This restaurant has 2 inspections on record from Florida DBPR, with the most recent inspection on March 2, 2026. Across those visits, inspectors documented 13 total violations — 9 major, 4 minor.

How to read this page

Start with the newest inspection, then verify the pattern

The score is the shortcut. The inspection timeline is the real story. Read the latest visit first, open the official DBPR record when you need the source, then compare this restaurant with other options nearby.

Read latest inspection ↓ Open official DBPR ↗ Compare nearby ↓

Record snapshot

What stands out in this inspection history

Use this as context before you scroll through every inspection.

Inspections on file

Clean inspections

Callback visits

Latest clean pass

None on file yet

The latest inspection on March 2, 2026 shows 11 observation rows: no critical rows, 8 major, and 3 minor.

Inspection data quality

What’s powering this page

Official source: DBPR

Inspection coverage

100%

Inspector notes

Coverage note

Inspector notes linked where available

InspectFL reorganizes public DBPR inspection records into a page you can actually scan. When exact inspector notes are available, they appear inline. Otherwise, the page falls back to violation categories plus the official DBPR record.

What you’ll see here

•Inspector notes appear inline when available.
•The official DBPR inspection timeline still stays visible, even on pages with zero violations or zero inspector notes.

Location + actions

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DBPR

*Scores are calculated by InspectFL based on public DBPR inspection data and are not official state ratings.

Inspection timeline

Inspection History

Read the newest inspection first, then scan for patterns. Repeated high-priority findings matter more than one isolated bad day.

Critical Major Minor

Inspector notes are being added across all restaurants. Some inspections may only show violation codes until notes are available.

Disposition: Administrative complaint recommended
[02A-01-5] Raw or undercooked oysters offered and establishment has no consumer advisory sign provided on wall, menu, placard, table tent or by any other written means. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Emailed operator DBPR Form HR 5025-131 and it was printed and posted during the inspection.
[14-01-5] Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Ramekin used as scoop in container strawberry whipped cream. Observed operator correct violations in order to meet inspection standards.
[31B-03-4] No soap provided at handwash sink. Behind bar. Observed operator correct violations in order to meet inspection standards.
[41-17-4] Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled at mop sink.
[52-01-4] Identity of food or food product misrepresented. Operator has Gulf Shrimp listed on the menu yet the product sold is Farm Raised shrimp and county of origin in Ecuador.
[53B-02-5] No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Operator can only provide proof of training for two employees of over 100 employees.
[24-07-4] Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Forks and knives not stored inverted. Observed operator correct violations in order to meet inspection standards.
[02B-01-5] Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ahi Tuna Nachos not designates as containing raw tuna. Operator began reprinting menu during inspection.
[40-06-5] Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone on shelf with clean and sanitized bowls in dish room.
[31A-11-4] Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand washing sink behind bar used as dump sink.
[53A-03-7] Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Sergio Ramirez certified on 06-26-2020 and expired on 06-26-2025

Community reaction

What do locals think?

Use the inspection history as the starting point, then compare it with real diner feedback. Vote first, then scroll a little lower to add what you actually saw.

Community pulse