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.

Curbside concoctions

Sage Is Now Selling Bottled Take-Home Cocktails

The restaurant's beverage director says the flavors are meant to "capture the distinct spirit of the holiday season in southwest Florida."

12/08/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Help Needed

Restaurant Association Says the Industry Is in 'Free Fall'

According to the National Restaurant Association, 10,000 restaurants have closed in just the last three months.

12/07/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Trunk Treats

Old Packinghouse Cafe Offers New Curbside Catering Pickup Option

The OPC is now letting you order Cuban items in bulk and pick them up with just a pop of your trunk.

12/07/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10,000 Steps

Explore Your City With These Five Walking Adventures

Learn some history about the community, see the sights and feel better, too.

12/07/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker, Susan Burns, Kay Kipling, Allison Forsyth, and Ilene Denton

10,000 Steps

Downtown Sarasota Is Perfect for a Long Stroll

Park in the shadow of the bridge to take in sweeping views of the barrier islands and urban skyline, and then start walking back toward downtown.

12/05/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

A view to a Grill

Floridays Adds to the Area's Waterfront Dining Options

A Jimmy Buffett-themed hotel in Bradenton has a restaurant Parrotheads should love.

12/03/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Risky Business

In a Time of Uncertainty, a Number of Local Chefs Have Opened New Eateries

They include Chef Dave Shiplett's Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen in Bradenton's Village of the Arts.

12/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Juicy

CROP Juice Opens New Stickney Point Road Location

The "cold-pressed, raw, organic produce" juice company recently closed its Gulf Gate location and reopened in a nearby space.

12/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Open for business

The Sarasota Farmers Market Has a New Manager and Is Adding New Vendors

Foot traffic on Saturday mornings may be lighter than normal this fall, but despite the still-fraught environment for small businesses, the market is growing.

11/30/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Chew on this

Now That Florida Is Allowing Edible Cannabis, New Products Are Hitting the State's Shelves

Cannabis companies are selling everything from bite-sized edibles to chocolate bars and cookies.

11/25/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Going fast

Originals Restaurant Group Starts Selling T-Shirts, Tank Tops

The new designs include slogans like "Eat Sip Support Local," "Be Original" and "Eat Like a Local."

11/25/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Take a hike

Thanksgiving Is the Perfect Day to Visit a State Park

It's become an annual tradition for my family to head out to Myakka River State Park on Thanksgiving Day.

11/24/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Shopping for a good cause

Taste of Immokalee Begins Selling Holiday Gift Bundles

One hundred percent of the profits go toward scholarships and job-training programs for Immokalee students.

11/24/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sugar rush

Specialty Chocolate Shop Opens Tuesday

The new Norman Love Confections store is located near the University Town Center mall.

11/23/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Shopping list

How to Find What's in Season in Florida

Florida has a unique growing season. Here's a month-by-month guide to what the state's farms are typically producing.

11/20/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Party City

'It's Not All Doom and Gloom': There Are Signs of Life for the Catering Industry

Even as the number of cases of coronavirus is rising again in Sarasota, many people are starting to plan events for next spring.

11/20/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Saga Continues

Siesta Key Will Return for Season Four

No date has yet been set for when the new episodes might air, but production is beginning this week.

11/18/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Market Report

Everything You Need to Know About Sarasota's Bustling Farmers' Markets

Your top spots for fresh produce, seafood, artisanal local products and much more.

11/17/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Brewing

New Kahwa Coffee Shop Opens Wednesday

And to celebrate, the store will be handing out free hot and cold coffees all day.

11/15/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Zoom Town

Out-of-Towners Are Fueling Sarasota’s Hot Real Estate Market

“In my 34 years, I’ve never seen inventory as low as it is today,” realtor Roger Pettingell says. “I tell buyers, ‘Be prepared to buy.’”

11/13/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker