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.

Neighborhood Guide

The Best Restaurants on Siesta Key

The island is home to one of the world's most famous beaches, and plenty of great places to eat and party.

08/31/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Pumpkin Mindset

Pumpkin Spice Season Is Back, Baby

It's starting to feel like fall, maybe?

08/30/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Honors

Sarasota Magazine Wins Six Society of Professional Journalism Awards

The magazine was recognized for its writing and design, as well as its digital presence.

08/29/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Nice Slice, Baby!

The Best Pizza in Sarasota

We tasted pizzas for weeks to bring you our 20 favorite pizza pie spots, from hole-in-the-wall strip-mall joints to fine-dining restaurants.

08/10/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food safety

Update: 16 Big Olaf Ice Cream Flavors Test Positive for Listeria

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is issuing formal stop sales on the 16 products where listeria was found.

07/14/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Believe the Hype

Meliora Is One of Sarasota's Best New Restaurants

The restaurant is led by a chef who worked at Michelin-starred Washington, D.C., restaurants like The Dabney, Plume and Rose's Luxury.

07/13/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Cheers!

Sarasota's Best Bars

Whether you’re looking for a toes-in-the-sand tiki hut, a secretive speakeasy or a big boisterous beer garden, Sarasota has the bar for you.

07/01/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker, Lauren Jackson, Allison Forsyth, and Kim Doleatto

Local Favorites

The Best Restaurants in Gulf Gate

Our top picks for where the locals hang in this distinct Sarasota neighborhood.

06/07/2022 By Lauren Jackson

Neighborhood Guide

The Best Restaurants Near University Town Center

Our top picks to whet your appetite during a day of shopping in this fast-growing part of town.

05/23/2022 By Lauren Jackson

By George

Georgie's Garden Café and Bar George Brighten Up the Daytime Dining Scene

Georgie’s may be the place where people gather to celebrate in the morning. Bar George extends the party until after dark.

05/05/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Path Forward

Photographer Carlton Ward Jr. Is Using His Lens to Help Save Wild Florida

The story of the Florida panther is one of near extinction, followed by a dramatic rebound and a shaky status quo.

05/05/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Stuff We Like

Ron del Barrilito Is Now Easy to Find in Sarasota, and I'm Very Grateful

The Puerto Rican rum has been a cult favorite for decades.

03/28/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

War in Ukraine

A Bradenton Photographer Traveled to Poland to Document the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis

Allan Mestel's images were captured near the Poland-Ukraine border, where millions of refugees have crossed since the beginning of the Russian invasion.

03/21/2022 Photography by Allan Mestel By Cooper Levey-Baker