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.

🦀🐟🐙🦪🦞🐠🦐🦑

The New Owen's Fish Camp in Lakewood Ranch Is Open

If you like the downtown Sarasota Owen's, you'll find plenty to enjoy here, too.

05/26/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

MVP

Dick Vitale Gala Raises $12.4 Million for Pediatric Cancer Research

The star-studded event took place last Friday in Sarasota.

05/08/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q & A

Stephen Root on HBO's Barry, the Coen Brothers and Why He Always Wanted to Be a Character Actor

The Sarasota-born actor has played nearly 300 film and television roles.

05/04/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

R.I.P.

Remembering Legendary Talk Show Host Jerry Springer

The longtime Sarasota resident died Thursday after a brief illness.

04/27/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

From the Editor

The Freedom to Read

Fear will drive good teachers out of the school system and undermine people’s trust in public education.

03/01/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards

Dr. Manuel Gordillo Steers a Community Through a Deadly Pandemic

"I’m so proud of the health care system. These are humbling experiences.”

01/09/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Top 10 in 2022

10 Great Reads From a Year Full of Them

Our editor-in-chief picks some of his favorite stories from 2022.

12/28/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

R.I.P.

Remembering Sarasota Artist John Sims

Sims, who died earlier this week, spent decades producing provocative art that touched on racism, mathematics and much more.

12/16/2022 By Kay Kipling and Cooper Levey-Baker

Welcome to Scare-Asota

Five Sarasota-Set Horror Movies We'd Like to See Get Made Tomorrow

If you're reading this and you're a Hollywood producer, let's make movie magic together.

10/24/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Just in Time for Halloween

Our Favorite Stephen King TV and Movie Adaptations

More than 100 shows and films have been made from the Sarasota resident's books and stories. Here are 10 of our favorites.

10/18/2022 By Kay Kipling and Cooper Levey-Baker

Shopping list

How to Find What's in Season in Florida

Florida has a unique growing season. Here's a month-by-month guide to what the state's farms are typically producing.

09/14/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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

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

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