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.

Dinner and a Movie

CinéBistro Opens Friday at Westfield Southgate

CinéBistro is part movie theater, part restaurant, part bar.

02/08/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Mamma Mia!

10 Bucks Or Less: Piccolo Italian Market & Deli

Ginormous subs are a hallmark of this Gulf Gate eatery.

02/05/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Talking Points

How to Sound Smart About: Making Florida's State Parks Free

The Florida Legislature is considering waiving entrance fees at state parks for an entire year, starting July 1.

02/01/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Article

10 Bucks Or Less: The Clever Cup

Cool independent coffee shop? In Gulf Gate? I'm sold.

01/27/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Rise and Dine

The 39 Best Breakfast Spots in Sarasota-Manatee

Our comprehensive guide to the region's finest breakfast destinations. (And yes, the Waffle House is included.)

01/25/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Grab 'N Go

Where to Eat Breakfast When You're on the Run

Where--and what--to eat when you're on the go.

01/25/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Routine

Local Notables Share Their Favorite Breakfasts

Here's what a congressman, an imam, a gospel singer and more eat for breakfast.

01/25/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker and Ilene Denton

Calling All Nighthawks

Why We Love the Waffle House

While the world sleeps, breakfast—and an iconic American experience—await.

01/25/2016 Photography by Cooper Levey-Baker

Global Breakfasts

Around the World in 5 Bites

Eat your way around the globe without leaving town.

01/25/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Article

10 Bucks Or Less: World Bites Kafe

Cheap global street food at the North Trail eatery that has replaced Big E's.

01/22/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Article

10 Bucks Or Less: Sonic

Cheeseburgers, "waffleberries" and nostalgia make for a powerful combo.

01/14/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Space Race

Corporate Meetings Bring Big Business to Sarasota-Manatee

Corporate meetings are big business.

01/11/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Article

Two Sundance Films Revisit an On-Air Sarasota Suicide

Christine Chubbuck’s hair-raising on-air suicide has inspired not one, but two new films.

01/07/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Article

10 Bucks Or Less: Maximillian's Café

Maximillian's may have achieved peak brownie.

01/07/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Article

How to Sound Smart About The Mobility Plan

The county commission is motoring ahead on its new mobility plan.

01/01/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Here We Grow

Anna Maria Island's Building Boom Sparks a Civil War

On once-quiet and charming Anna Maria Island, developers and longtime residents are battling over growth. What's ahead for this piece of paradise?

01/01/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Article

10 Bucks Or Less: Camacho's Best Tacos

Life-altering burritos served out of the back of a pickup truck.

12/30/2015 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food and Drink Events

Seven-Chef Dinner Showcases Sustainable Meat

Local chefs are gathering Dec. 14 to promote the use of organic meat that comes from ethically and sustainably raised animals.

12/10/2015 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Breaking Food News

New Nancy's Bar-B-Q Opens Next Week

The second Nancy's Bar-B-Q opens in Lakewood Ranch next week, with a name that distinguishes it from the downtown original: Li'l Nancy's at the Ranch.

12/08/2015 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Beach Eats

Our Concession Stand Favorites

Where to grab grub on the beach.

12/01/2015 By Cooper Levey-Baker Photography by Chad Spencer