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.

Data

USF Researchers Find Black and Hispanic Americans Much More Likely Than Whites to Fear Police Brutality

Two University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee researchers have found that Black Americans are nearly five times more likely than whites to worry "a lot" about police brutality.

06/22/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Day Drinking

First Watch Starts Serving Alcohol

It's the first time the restaurant chain has sold alcohol since its first location opened in 1986.

06/18/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Reality check

Siesta Key Star Fired for Alleged Racist Social Media Posts

Alex Kompothecras 'will not be in future seasons of Siesta Key,' according to an MTV spokesperson.

06/17/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Spring Cleaning

Clásico Has a New Look, a New Menu and a New Chef

It's the restaurant's first extensive refresh since it opened roughly eight years ago.

06/16/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Neighborhood guide

Where the Locals Eat in Palmer Ranch

Five restaurants where the folks in Palmer Ranch like to get together.

06/15/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Papa presents

Father's Day Gifts for Dads Who Love Wine

Remember: It's the thought that counts, not the price tag.

06/15/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10 Bucks Or Less

Kürtós Serves Creative Sandwiches Out of a Tiny Downtown Storefront

The company makes Hungarian "chimney cakes," hollow spirals of dough that can be either sweet or savory.

06/15/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Video

Let’s Learn How to Make a Jalapeño Watermelon Margarita

Via Zoom, Loaded Cannon Distillery's Michelle Russell shows us how to whip up a summer-friendly cocktail.

06/12/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Recipe

Let's Learn How to Cook Tiger Prawns Like They Do at Avlí Mess Hall

Avlí chef de cuisine Johnny Zaki says it's vitally important to leave your prawn heads intact.

06/11/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

'This Is An Incredible Time in History'

Sarasota's Mayor Says the Time for Anti-Racist Action Is Now

Jen Ahearn-Koch discusses the protests that have rocked America, how Sarasota city government should respond and whether we need to 'defund the police.'

06/11/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker