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.

No Holds Barred

Liz Cheney Issues Dire Warning About Donald Trump and the 2024 Presidential Election

Cheney kicked off this year's Town Hall lecture series by calling Trump's actions on Jan. 6, 2021, not just a "dereliction of duty," but an act of "depravity."

01/16/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

We Will Miss You

After Just Four Months in the Rosemary District, Nancy's Bar-B-Q Is Permanently Closing

Guests are invited to say good-bye—and have one last helping of brisket—by Saturday, Jan. 6.

01/04/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Unity Awards

David Wilkins Brings Black History to Students Who Aren’t Learning It at School

Freedom School is a series of free lessons on African and African American history for students in grades K-12 that launched last February and was renewed and expanded last fall.

01/01/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Year in Review

If You Missed Any of These 10 Incredible Stories From 2023, You Should Fix That ASAP

In a year full of terrific Sarasota Magazine stories, these 10 stood out.

12/26/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q & A

Cliff Roles Is Retiring. Sarasota's Social Scene Will Never Be the Same.

One of Sarasota's go-to photographers, Roles has decided to put down the camera after suffering a stroke earlier this year.

11/10/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

48 Hours in Sarasota

The Dog Lover's Guide to a Long Weekend in Sarasota

We’re a dog lover’s destination, with plenty of pet-friendly accommodations and eateries that will keep you and your furry friend busy.

11/06/2023 Photography by Cooper Levey-Baker

48 Hours in Sarasota

A Weekend Spent Exploring Sarasota's Arts Scene Is One Well-Spent

The arts are an essential part of Sarasota’s identity and a major draw for tourists and residents alike.

11/06/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

'Tis the Season

Sarasota's Best Holiday Shows and Events

There's no shortage of fun ways to celebrate the holidays in Sarasota. Here are our top picks.

11/01/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Let's Get Together

Filmmaker Damon Gameau Headlines a Sarasota Conference on Nature and the Environment

December's EcoSummit and Green Living Expo will stimulate audiences with a wide range of speakers and activities, including talks by Gameau and novelist Carl Hiaasen.

10/17/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The New Bobby Jones

The New Bobby Jones Golf Club and Nature Park Opens This Weekend

The historic municipal golf course has undergone major changes. Here's what to expect.

10/11/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Flashback

Sarasota Native Lois Duncan Wrote 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'

The book went on to become a popular slasher film in 1997.

09/19/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Works of Art

Sarasota's Best Burgers

From brilliant mash-ups to simple classics, these are the 11 best burgers you can get your hands on right now.

09/18/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker and Lauren Jackson

Honors

Sarasota Magazine Wins Five Society for Professional Journalism Awards

The publication was recognized for public service reporting, food and travel writing, cover design and more.

08/28/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Welcome Home

Nancy's Bar-B-Q Has Opened in the Rosemary District

Owner Nancy Krohngold says she's thrilled to be back downtown.

08/15/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Neighborhood Guide

The Best Restaurants in Venice

From sunup to sundown, Venice residents have plenty of options for a great meal. Here are our favorites.

08/09/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker and Lauren Jackson

R.I.P.

Actor Paul Reubens, Creator of Pee-wee Herman, Has Died

The comedy legend with deep Sarasota ties died Sunday from cancer.

07/31/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Hot Topics

Inside The Fight Against Cyberstalking

In 2019, more than 3.4 million Americans reported being a victim of stalking or cyberstalking, and 71.2 percent of those victims were women.

07/05/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Let's Go!

In St. Augustine, Take a Trip Back in Time

With a bevy of fun live music venues and festivals, hip bars and restaurants and plenty of historical sites to explore, this city is gorgeous, walkable and lively.

06/29/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Let's Go!

Island Hopping Is a Great Way to See The Florida Keys

There are so many places to explore along the way as you make the scenic drive south.

06/29/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

🌀🔮🌀🔮🌀🔮

Hurricane Season Starts Today. We Asked an 'Intuitive Storyteller' What to Expect.

Gaze into the future with us.

06/01/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker