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.

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

A Week in the Blue Ridge Mountains Was Just What I Needed

The Blue Ridge mountains are just a day's drive away.

08/24/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Breaking News

Sarasota School Board Approves Mask Mandate With Limited Exemptions

The measure will stay in place for 90 days, or until Sarasota County's Covid-19 test positivity rate falls.

08/20/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Booze Flash

New Liquor Store Opens in Lakewood Ranch

The new ABC Fine Wine & Spirits includes a walk-in cigar humidor, a walk-in beer cooler and a station for refilling growlers.

08/19/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q&A

This New Cookbook Is All About Middle Eastern Desserts

Author Salma Hage answers questions about her latest book, "Middle Eastern Sweets: Desserts, Pastries, Creams & Treats."

08/17/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Table talk

Food Writer Alexander Lobrano Discusses His New Memoir, My Place at the Table

Lobrano will discuss his work and career during a Bookstore1Sarasota Zoom event on Thursday, Aug. 19.

08/16/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Alcohol Olympics

'Set the Bar' Cocktail Competition Will Return in October

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals contest will feature drinks from 25 different restaurants.

08/06/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

In Their Element

Sarasota Bar Kicks Off New Pop-Up Series

The Lounge at Element is showcasing the talents of different staff members. First up: Puerto Rican cuisine from sous chef Alexa Diaz.

08/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Call it a Comeback

SorBabes Is Back With a New Look and New Flavors

After a year of struggles with manufacturing delays, the company is back on shelves and offering online orders.

08/03/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food News

A New French Breakfast and Lunch Spot Is Coming to Main Street

Mademoiselle Paris will open this October.

07/26/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Mental Health

Sarasota Is Facing a Youth Mental Health Crisis, and Many Parents Can't Cope

Over the past year, 85 children in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties have been removed from a home because of a parent or guardian's "inability to cope."

07/22/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Marcella's Magic

A Documentary About Legendary Cookbook Author Marcella Hazan Is in the Works

Hazan's fascinating life story is set to be documented in a new film, if the director can raise the necessary funds.

07/20/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Good stuff

Indigenous and Mattison's Recognized for Sustainability, Transparency

The restaurants were recently honored by the Good Food Media Network, which works to promote practices that are good for the environment and food industry workers.

07/19/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker