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.

Kitsch Itch

You'll Find Wallet-Friendly Fun in Weeki Wachee

Florida's identity as an oddball mecca goes way, way back.

03/01/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Polo Pro

A Day in the Life of Polo Player Francisco Llosa

One day with Francisco Llosa of the Sarasota Polo Club.

03/01/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker Photography by Robert Castro

Talking Points

How to Sound Smart About Redistricting

Cooper Levey-Baker breaks down what's going on with redistricting and how it affects us.

03/01/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Gardening for Good

Sarasota Garden Project Connects Veterans to Local Food

Veterans band together to experience the "therapy" of growing their own food.

02/29/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

C'Mon n' Ride It (The Train)

10 Bucks Or Less: Bob's Train

Bob's Train is a cocoon of twinkling cheer on a raw, ugly day.

02/25/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Biz Supports

Ponies for Pups Raises Money for Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue

One look at any of the adorable puppies at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue and you'll understand why we support Ponies for Pups

02/18/2016 Research by Cooper Levey-Baker

Big Deals

This Week's Biggest Commercial Real Estate Transactions

Including a $15.9 million bank building and more.

02/18/2016 Research by Cooper Levey-Baker

Phở-n Times

10 Bucks Or Less: Phở SàiGòn

Another entry in Sarasota's emerging broth market.

02/18/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Good Deeds

How 941 Businesses and Nonprofits Are Making Our Community Better

Including: Fundraisers for veterans, generous donations and pay-what-you-can theatrical productions.

02/18/2016 Research by Cooper Levey-Baker

Sub Pop

10 Bucks Or Less: Detwiler's Farm Market

Excellent sandwiches slapped together at the bustling Detwiler's Farm Market.

02/12/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Eat Your Heart Out

Valentine's Day Candy, Ranked

Sarasota Magazine staffers pick their favorite Walgreens Valentine's Day candy.

02/12/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker and Megan McDonald

Public Service

Mayor Willie Shaw Hands Out Free Coffee at Sarasota's New Kahwa

Sarasota's new Kahwa Coffee Roasting is the St. Pete-based chain's first shop south of Tampa Bay.

02/10/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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

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