health department | ARLnow.com

Published February 15, 2018 at 10:45AM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 11:24AM

File photo

In a long Facebook post earlier this month, Bada Bing food truck owner Nicholas Terzella announced he was closing up shop, partially blaming the Arlington County government for not properly updating him on new sprinkler system requirements.

However, county officials say there were several outreach efforts once commercial hood suppression systems became mandatory in mobile food units on November 6, 2016, according to both Kim Brunette, an environmental health supervisor with the county public health protection bureau and Ben O’Bryant, an Arlington County Fire Department Fire/EMS Captain and spokesman.

Schools

Stomach Bug Sweeps Through McKinley Elementary School

By Chris Teale

Published December 7, 2017 at 4:55PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 11:24AM

McKinley Elementary School (photo via Arlington Public Schools)

An Arlington Public Schools spokesman said 135 of the school’s 800 students were out, after about 85 were absent yesterday (Wednesday).

The spokesman said that while it sounded like a “typical [stomach] bug that makes its way around this time of year,” he said he could not be sure that all the absences were related to it.

Events

Police to Collect Prescription Drugs in Take-Back Day Saturday

By Chris Teale

Published October 27, 2017 at 1:30PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 11:24AM

In partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, county residents can safely dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.

Drugs will be collected at the following sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

News

County Board Candidates Respond to Follow-Up Questions from Recent Forum

By Chris Teale

Published October 24, 2017 at 1:30PM | Updated October 17, 2022 at 11:27AM

Then-County Board candidate Erik Gutshall

Earlier this month, the candidates for Arlington County Board faced a bevy of tough questions at a forum hosted by the Arlington Committee of 100.

But after the audience went home and the microphones were turned off, that wasn’t the end of the candidates’ work.

Around Town

Pedro and Vinny’s Reopens After Health Dept. Closure

By Morgan Fecto

Published July 9, 2014 at 2:30PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 1:50PM

(Updated at 3:10 p.m.) Columbia Pike burrito spot Pedro and Vinny’s reopened yesterday after having its food establishment license revoked last month.

The restaurant reopened after re-applying for its food establishment license, as allowed by Arlington County Code. Arlington’s health department found Pedro and Vinny’s had “a pattern of repeated violations… that significantly increased the risk of foodborne illness to patrons including improper holding temperatures of foods,” according to Arlington Dept. of Human Services spokesman Kurt Larrick.

Around Town

Pedro and Vinny’s Shut Down By Health Dept.

By ARLnow.com

Published June 26, 2014 at 10:45AM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 1:50PM

Pedro and Vinny’s, the popular burrito stand in the CVS parking lot at 2599 Columbia Pike, is closed indefinitely after having its health license revoked.

The restaurant opened in 2011 in what was once an Ollie’s Trolley. It has since served hungry Pike residents, Pentagon employees, and even members of Congress. Earlier this month it was included in the prestigious Five Thirty Eight Burrito Bracket.

Around Town

Union Jack’s Shut Down By Health Dept.

By ARLnow.com

Published June 25, 2013 at 12:00PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 1:50PM

The restaurant was closed yesterday after a county food inspector discovered that the restaurant did not have any hot water, according to Michael Peter of the Arlington County Dept. of Human Services.

“The restaurant was closed by one of our food inspectors due to an imminent health risk,” Peter told ARLnow.com. “It was reported and confirmed that Union Jack’s had no hot water in the restaurant.”

News

Health Dept. to Allow ‘Dog Friendly’ Outdoor Dining

By ARLnow.com

Published April 3, 2013 at 4:40PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 1:50PM

Arlington’s Public Health Division has reversed course and will now allow restaurants to have “dog friendly” outdoor dining areas. As recently as November, the health department was reminding restaurants that no pets — except for service animals — were allowed in any dining area, inside or outside.

Now, restaurants can apply for a variance that would allow dogs in outdoor dining areas.

Around Town

Health Dept. Reminds Diners to Keep Pets at Home

By ARLnow.com

Published December 13, 2012 at 1:15PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 1:50PM

The stickers were mailed out on Nov. 26 as part of an ongoing Arlington health department initiative to remind restaurants that it’s against county code for animals to be in “areas where food is prepared, cooked or served,” according to Arlington County Department of Human Services spokesman Kurt Larrick.

Restaurants are not required to post the stickers, but a number of eateries, like Sawatdee Thai (2250 Clarendon Blvd), pictured, have already displayed them prominently for customers entering the establishment.

News

Health Dept. Investigating Possible Norovirus Outbreak

By ARLnow.com

Published February 11, 2011 at 10:06AM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 1:50PM

The county issued a short statement to ARLnow.com last night confirming they’re “currently investigating reports of gastrointestinal (GI) illness at a long-term care facility.”

Citing “confidentiality rules,” a Department of Human Services spokesman refused to identify the facility. A source, however, tells us the facility is the Sunrise at Bluemont Park (5910 Wilson Blvd) senior living community.

News

Afternoon Notes: Another Good Economic Omen for Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published April 14, 2010 at 1:41PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 1:50PM

Arlington Makes AP’s “Least Stressed” List — Arlington has placed 12th on the Associated Press’ list of the 20 least economically stressed counties in the U.S.

County Gov’t Getting Paid By Feds — Arlington County will be reimbursed more than $300,000 for expenses associated with President Obama’s inauguration, the Sun Gazette reports. The county government is now turning its attention to securing about $800,000 in reimbursements from FEMA for December’s “Snowpocalypse” snow storm.