Cooper Levey-Baker has written about food, politics, civic issues, the arts, and music in Southwest Florida for 15 years. His work has won multiple awards from the Florida Magazine Association and the Florida Society of Professional Journalists, as well as an honorable mention from the Julia Child Foundation. Follow him on Twitter: @LeveyBaker.

Politics

After Mob Storms Capitol, Local Officials Split on Challenging Results of the Presidential Election

Rep. Greg Steube voted against certifying the results of the 2020 election, while Rep. Vern Buchanan voted to accept them.

01/07/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Flavor town

Restaurants Will Offer Signature Dishes as Part of 'Original Eats' Program

The goal of the two-week event is to highlight the variety of cuisine in the area and to encourage customers to order from local, independent restaurants.

01/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

That's Amore

Amore Restaurant Reopens in New Space Next Week

The Portuguese and Italian restaurant has moved to a new location near downtown Sarasota.

01/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Home Gym 2.0

How to Set Up the Perfect Home Gym

What you need to create the perfect workout room.

01/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Glow in the dark

Sarasota's Pineapple Drop May Be Canceled, But You Can Still Take a Selfie With the Pineapple

The city's annual New Year's Eve block party isn't happening, but you can still have some pineapple fun.

12/31/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The New Healthy

How to Make 2021 Your Healthiest Year Yet

From enrolling in a Zoom fitness class to consulting with a genetic counselor, we’ve compiled dozens of ways for you to make 2021 your best ever.

12/29/2020 Edited by Cooper Levey-Baker Illustrations by Jordan Kay

Start the countdown

Ten Sarasota Restaurants Serving Special New Year's Eve Dinners

Lots of local restaurants are open for New Year's Eve. Here are 10 that are doing something a little special.

12/29/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food news

New Pizza Franchise Opens in Nokomis

The new Marco's Pizza joins existing locations in North Port, Englewood, Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

12/23/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

What's It Worth?

Lakewood Ranch's Certified Collectibles Group Specializes in Evaluating Rare Items

The business of buying and selling ancient coins, vintage sports cards, rare trading cards, classic comic books and old paper money is booming.

12/22/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Recipe

'Tis the Season: Tips for Making Great Eggnog

Even if you think you don't like eggnog, we have a feeling you'll enjoy this version.

12/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Covid-19

Sarasota Is Facing a Potential Eviction Crisis

With a national moratorium on evictions set to expire at the end of the year, local families who have lost income because of the Covid-19 pandemic could be left scrambling.

12/17/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker