News Summary
Recent health inspections in Duval County Public Schools revealed alarming findings, with at least 24 cafeterias failing due to serious health violations, including rodent and insect infestations. Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School was notably cited for a significant presence of rodents, causing parents to express concerns over food safety. The situation raises questions about sanitary practices across the district, prompting calls for greater accountability and action to ensure student health. With an upcoming reinspection date set, parents are left anxious and seeking transparency from the school district.
Jacksonville, FL – Recent health inspection reports have unveiled troubling findings within Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) cafeterias, with nearly 200 facilities examined and at least 24 cafeterias failing their inspections due to serious health violations. Among the most concerning issues were infestations of rodents and insects, which have sparked alarm among parents regarding the safety and hygiene standards of their children’s school environments.
One of the schools flagged for severe violations is Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School, which was cited for a “heavy presence of rodents” in its kitchen during the latest inspection. Specific details outlined in the inspection report indicated the presence of rodent droppings, evidence of gnawed doors, and holes found in the ceilings. The findings have led to heightened concerns from parents about the health risks their children face when dining in the cafeteria.
Some parents reported that their children, wary of food safety issues, chose not to eat lunch at school, often returning home hungry. The adverse conditions prompting this decision reflect a significant level of distrust towards the school’s food service. The inspection report for Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School noted that these rodent infestations coincided with significant infestations throughout the school premises, raising questions about the overall sanitation practices in the facility.
The report also stipulated a target reinspection date for Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School in late July 2025. However, Citing a lack of transparency, DCPS did not provide a reinspection report for the middle school, despite making reinspection reports available for other schools that underwent health inspections.
In addition to Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School, other schools within the district that experienced rodent-related violations included Sandalwood High School, Long Branch Elementary School, and Mandarin Oaks Elementary School. The repeated appearance of these health violations across various campuses has become a critical issue of concern for both parents and the broader community.
There has been a noticeable lack of response from DCPS regarding an inquiry made by Action News Jax about the failed inspection reports and the actions taken to address these violations. Parents are left feeling unsettled by the lack of communication and action from the district, especially when it comes to the health of their children within school settings.
While the state of school cafeterias is essential for student health and well-being, these inspection failures have caused parents to question the measures in place to maintain sanitary conditions. Stakeholders in the community are calling for greater accountability and stricter enforcement of health regulations within school cafeterias to prevent such violations from reoccurring in the future.
This situation sheds light on an important public health issue and the ongoing need for schools to prioritize cleanliness, hygiene, and safety within their food service operations. As the district works to address these concerns, parents hope for transparency and effective solutions to ensure their children can safely enjoy meals at school.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: Duval County Public Schools Cafeteria Inspections
- Action News Jax: Special Needs Child Left Unsupervised
- Journal Courier: Restaurant Inspections July 2025
- Centre Daily: Local News Article
- Google Search: Public Health and School Cafeteria Sanitation
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
