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.

Restaurant Review

At His Darwin Evolutionary Cuisine, Chef Darwin Santa Maria Has Found a New Home

The menu is an Endless Summer of flavors and techniques the chef has become known for.

08/31/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

A Path Forward

Should the Legacy Trail Be Extended?

Voters will answer the question in November, when they will decide whether to approve a bond referendum that would pay for the project.

08/29/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Breaking Away

The Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center Helps Women and Men Flee Abusive Relationships

In 2017, law enforcement reported more than 1,400 domestic violence offenses in Sarasota County.

08/29/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Civil Rights

Sincerely, the Black Kids Examines Racism on College Campuses

Miles Iton, a New College of Florida graduate, says he faced racially motivated backlash from fellow students that shocked him.

08/29/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10 Bucks Or Less

Tamiami Tacos Offers Budget-Friendly Mexican Food Inside an Exxon Station

This tiny four-table restaurant serves both drivers cruising by on 41 and boaters puttering along on nearby Bowlees Creek.

08/23/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Bulgogi Bonanza

New Korean Barbecue Restaurant Opens

A popular food truck has pulled into the space that once housed La Dona Donuts.

08/17/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

R.I.P.

Longtime Restaurateur, Philanthropist Dies at 65

With the death of Steve Seidensticker, Sarasota has lost a giant.

08/16/2018 By Susan Burns

Rising

Five-O Donut Co Opening Second Location

Christine Nordstrom plans to open a second Five-O at 7119 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in September.

08/12/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Eat Drink Jump

These Three Party Boats Offer the Ultimate Sarasota Summer Experience

Three more reasons to love the water.

07/26/2018 By Isaac Eger and Cooper Levey-Baker

Cheap Eats

Mirna's, a Tiny Eatery on the North Trail, Is a Winner

The menu, which largely follows Cuban tradition, keeps the place packed.

07/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

A Nutty Idea

A Pharmacist's Quest for Better Almond Milk Led Her to Start Her Own Company

Totally Nuts—whose base recipe includes only water, California almonds, salt and a probiotic—is the brainchild of Vicki Gregory.

07/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Review

Summer House Is the Best New Restaurant on Siesta Key

Summer House pays homage to a Siesta Key legend while charting a new course.

07/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food

New Lucky's Market Coming to Venice

The Colorado-based supermarket chain Lucky's Market plans to open a new store in Venice within the next two years.

07/19/2018 By Staff

Hello, Mellow

New Pizza Spot Mellow Mushroom Opens on the South Trail

Whether you’re stoned and starving or just starving, check it out.

07/18/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

At Your Service

Hungry for Dinner, But Too Lazy to Leave the House? There's an App for That.

Here's the lowdown on three popular restaurant delivery apps.

06/27/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Female Factor

Kelly Romanoff Wants to Help Babies Thrive During Their First 1,000 Days

A child's first two years are crucial to his or her development. First 1000 Days Sarasota County wants to help make them the healthiest they can be.

06/27/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Female Factor

With Her Emerge Sarasota, Samantha Gholar Wants to Bring Together Minority Young Professionals

Emerge Sarasota began with a handful of members but has grown to about 80 participants who attend the organization’s social mixers, arts outings and volunteer and charity events.

06/27/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Female Factor

Erinn Muller is in a Race to Save Florida’s—and the World’s—Coral

Muller—one of a small percentage of women to get an advanced marine science degree—won a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at Mote that gave her two years to build her own coral research program.

06/27/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker