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.

Coronavirus

How COVID-19 Has Complicated the Process for Adoptions and Foster Families

The pandemic has caused a decline in the number of potential new homes for kids who need them.

05/04/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Some Local Restaurants Will Begin Offering Limited In-Person Dining

Per new state rules, restaurants must follow social distancing regulations and limit indoor seating to 25 percent of total capacity.

05/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Video

Let's Learn How to Make Edamame Succotash With Nancy Krohngold

Via Zoom, the owner of Nancy's Bar-B-Q gives us the recipe for one of her most beloved side dishes.

04/30/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Haus Party

New Vietnamese Restaurant Opens

Búnhaus specializes in affordable and customizable spring rolls, bánh mì sandwiches, bowls and pho.

04/28/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Can do

How to Get Your Hands on Local Beer Despite Taproom Closures

There's no reason to subsist on substandard beer while you ride this thing out.

04/24/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Two birds, one stone

New College Economist Says a Massive 'Green Stimulus' Could Boost the Economy

"It has never been cheaper to invest in the green economy we need," says Mark Paul.

04/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Bradenton Farmers Market Begins Offering Online Orders

Orders must be placed by late Wednesday to be picked up on Saturday.

04/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Generation climate

Sarasota Teens Have Become Leaders in the Fight to Slow Climate Change

Sarasota Students 4 Climate organizes "climate strike" protests in downtown Sarasota.

04/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Two Out of Three Restaurant Workers Have Lost Their Jobs

A new survey from the National Restaurant Association estimates that the restaurant industry will lose $80 billion in sales by the end of April.

04/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Sarasota Restaurants Shift to Support Those in Need

During the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants have been feeding hungry kids, police officers, front-line health care workers and many more.

04/16/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

'It's Been Like Hell': How the COVID-19 Shutdowns Have Hurt a Local Dairy

Dakin Dairy Farms is being forced to dump 7,000 gallons of milk a day because of lost sales.

04/15/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Restaurant Association Says More Help for the Industry Is Needed

After the pandemic passes, the National Restaurant Association warns, nearly all American restaurants will be "in desperate need of cash."

04/13/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Expert Bartender Begins Offering Video Cocktail Tutorials

Unable to tend bar because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rob Boyland has begun teaching people how to do it themselves.

04/10/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Affecting Sarasota's Homeless

“It's real tough to shelter in place when you don't have a place," says Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin.

04/09/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Amid the Pandemic, Lakewood Ranch Livestreams Offer a Dose of Community

With most activities curtailed by COVID-19, Lakewood Ranch residents are finding a new place to get together: online.

04/07/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Sarasota Farmers Market Suspends All Operations

The decision has led to the layoff of two employees, the closure of the market's office and an end to social media posts from the market.

04/06/2020 Photography by Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

The Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center Braces for an Uptick in Emergency Calls

'We're definitely concerned,' says SPARCC executive director Jessica Hays, 'because people are really isolated right now.'

04/03/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Calusa Brewing Starts New Weekly Facebook Livestreams

Miss hanging out in the taproom and chatting about beer? One Sarasota brewery has begun offering virtual hang sessions.

04/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Who We Are

Sarasota’s Demographics Have a Major Impact on Life in Our Region

That includes housing, schools, culture and services—and a political impact, some say, may not be far behind.

04/01/2020 By Dan Fost, Cooper Levey-Baker, and Kay Kipling

'I Was Passionate About Wanting to be a Chef'

Sarasota’s Restaurant Scene Provides Plenty of Job Opportunities

Just ask Francisco Juarez, who worked his way up from dishwasher to sous chef.

04/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker