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.

Flashback

The Pinecraft Eat'n House Served Coffee, Fried Chicken and Pies to the Community

The restaurant was one of several businesses that sprang up on Bahia Vista Street in the 1950s.

12/06/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q & A

Project 180 Founder Barbara Richards Reflects on Helping Former Prisoners Rebuild Their Lives

Richards is stepping down from her role with the organization she founded.

12/02/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Climate Connection

Climate Change Is Making Extreme Weather More Common and More Dangerous

This year's storms were the latest in a string of extreme weather events that have struck our area in recent years.

11/20/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Climate Connection

An Upcoming Conference Will Explore the Links Between Climate Change and Human Health

Sarasota's Climate Adaptation Center will bring together experts from around the country next month.

10/24/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

From the Editor

Why Do We Give Back?

Being generous with your money and your time isn’t just great for the nonprofits you’re supporting, it also improves your physical and mental well-being and deepens your connection to your community.

09/01/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Flashback

Did You Know That Bob Dylan First Recorded 'Mr. Tambourine Man' on Siesta Key?

Dylan was staying at the home of friend and fellow musician Eric von Schmidt when the recording was made.

09/01/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Guide to Giving

Leaders of Local Foundations Tell Us About the Critical Needs Our Community Is Facing

Here's what they had to say.

09/01/2024 By Megan McDonald and Cooper Levey-Baker

🫧 Bubble Up 🫧

Here's Where to Get Great Boba in the Sarasota Area

These spots will satisfy your craving.

08/30/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Dream Homes

The 10 Most Expensive Homes in Sarasota

What all 10 share are prime waterfront locations and lots of square footage.

08/20/2024 By Susan Burns, Cooper Levey-Baker, and Kim Doleatto

Freeze Frame

Dari Williams Goggans Is a Legend in the Sarasota Art World

At her Jessica's Picture Framing, she has hundreds of loyal customers.

07/31/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Boldly Going

Atlantic TNG, LLC's Megan Kitchner Is Committed to Moving Forward

“Construction has always been predominantly male, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s a lot of work to be done, and women can do it.”

06/25/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Doing the Monster Mash

Brianna Mahon Is One of Just 12 Female Monster Jam Drivers

She's been nicknamed the Princess of Carnage thanks to her outrageous stunts.

06/25/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Honors

Sarasota Magazine Wins National City and Regional Magazine Award for Best Feature Story

The magazine earned the honor for a 2023 story about the use of ketamine to treat long-term depression. The publication was also named a General Excellence finalist for its overall quality.

05/21/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Best Part of Waking Up

Sarasota's Best Breakfasts

Whatever breakfast means to you, our area is rich with options. From humble diners to culinary temples, local eateries serve a stunning variety of morning meals.

05/17/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker and Lauren Jackson

All Summer Long

Chinola Is Now Making a Mango Liqueur, and It's Just Right for Summertime Drinking

Mango margarita? Yes, please.

05/03/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Step Right Up

The Greatest Show on Earth Gallery Opens at The Ringling

The latest addition to the Ringling Circus Museum brings the story of the circus all the way up to today.

04/05/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Awesome, Baby!

Dick Vitale Has a New Book Out, and It's All About Raising Money for Pediatric Cancer Research

"Cancer research is working," says the legendary college basketball announcer, "but more is needed to develop the more targeted therapies of the future."

03/19/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Flashback

Did You Know That in the 1940s, Sarasota Had an Indoor Croquet Court?

This old-school Sarasota image by Joseph Janney Steinmetz set off a hunt to identify where it was taken.

02/15/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

History Lesson

A New Historical Marker Will Memorialize Victims of Lynching and Racial Terror in Sarasota

The marker will be installed at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota later this month.

02/06/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Preview

Announcing Views From the New Horizon: Portraits From Sarasota Magazine's 'Listening to Black Voices' Series

The photo exhibition, created in partnership with Gulf Coast Community Foundation, will feature the work of Michael Kinsey and will be on display at Art Center Sarasota March 14-April 20.

02/02/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker