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.

Big poppo

New Poppo's Taqueria Now Open on Main Street

The new location is the restaurant's fifth.

03/05/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

On tap

New Oak & Stone Location Opening This Spring

The new eatery will be located at 4067 Clark Road, Sarasota, in the former home of a Buffalo Wild Wings.

03/04/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Supermarket Sweep

A Roundup of Alternative Grocery Stores and Best Buys

Our selection of food stores has exploded in recent years. Here are some of our favorite finds at six of our go-to grocery stops.

02/28/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Restaurant Review

Grove Serves Up Good Food and Good Times in Lakewood Ranch

After Polo Grill closed last April, Hugh Miller and Greg Campbell, the partners behind Bradenton’s Pier 22, took over the space and gutted the building.

02/28/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

So Here's a Story from A to Z

New 'Modern Israeli' Food Truck Debuts

Owners Steven Schmitt and Carl Kolber call their cuisine "modern Israeli," citing restaurants like Shaya in New Orleans and The Palomar Restaurant in London and chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi as inspirations.

02/27/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Bang the Gavel

New Florida Senate President Bill Galvano Outlines His 2019 Priorities

Galvano, a Bradenton attorney and Republican first elected to the state Senate in 2012, was sworn in as Senate president last fall, making him one of the three most powerful officials in state government until he steps down in 2020.

02/27/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Grape Dispenser

A New Wine Shop Offers Unusual Finds and Personalized Guidance

Buying a bottle of wine can be stressful. Thomas Morgan of Seagrape Wine Company wants to put you at ease.

02/26/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Remember When?

The People, Milestones and Game-Changing Events That Made Us Who We Are

A decade-by-decade look at Sarasota over the past 40 years.

02/25/2019 By Susan Burns, Pam Daniel, Ilene Denton, Cooper Levey-Baker, Kay Kipling, and Megan McDonald

Healthy Beginnings

First 1000 Days Sarasota County Gives Hope to Moms and Babies

The care their children receive during their first 1,000 days will go a long way toward determining the trajectory of their lives.

02/04/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Restaurant Review

Rudolph's, a Hip Restaurant and Bar, Enlivens the Stylish New Sarasota Modern Hotel

The restaurant is gorgeous—and the food matches the look.

01/28/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Life of the Party

How to Plan the Ultimate Party

One party can change everything.

01/25/2019 By Ilene Denton, Giulia Heyward, Cooper Levey-Baker, and Michael Riedel

Life of the Party

How to Plan the Ultimate Party

One party can change everything.

01/25/2019 By Ilene Denton, Giulia Heyward, Cooper Levey-Baker, and Michael Riedel

Cheers!

Today's Hot Party Drink: The Aperol Spritz

This drink has taken over cocktail menus in recent years.

01/25/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards 2019

Meet the Winners of Our 2019 Unity Awards

We’re a closer, brighter place thanks to the winners of our 2019 Unity Awards.

01/24/2019 By Susan Burns, Cooper Levey-Baker, Isaac Eger, Kay Kipling, Megan McDonald, and Ilene Denton Photography by Everett Dennison

True Romance

Love, Sarasota Style

Love blooms brightly in our seaside city.

01/24/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

True Romance

Love, Sarasota Style

Love blooms brightly in our seaside city.

01/24/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Looking for Love

Matchmaking Is Serious Business for Mimi Lee

Lee has been in the business of bringing together Sarasota’s singles for nearly a quarter century.

01/24/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Swipe Right

Love in the Age of Tinder

Online dating is wildly popular—and despised.

01/24/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Love Factually

Our Marriage Rates and Divorce Rates Are Falling. Why?

Fewer people are getting married today in part because fewer people are getting divorced.

01/24/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards 2019

Meet the Winners of Our 2019 Unity Awards

We’re a closer, brighter place thanks to the winners of our 2019 Unity Awards.

01/24/2019 By Susan Burns, Isaac Eger, Cooper Levey-Baker, Ilene Denton, Kay Kipling, and Megan McDonald