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.

Done Deal

Conservation Foundation Hits Fundraising Goal to Preserve Orange Hammock Ranch

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast has secured the $1.5 million it needs to permanently preserve 5,777 acres of land in North Port.

05/26/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Embracing the Future

Indigenous Chef Steve Phelps on His Restaurant's Survival and Recovery

“I’m trying to figure out how to save the restaurant."

05/26/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fantastic Voyage

Drive-By Graduation Celebration Will Honor Teen Health Educators

The Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County is celebrating student volunteers next week.

05/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Seed money

The Florida State Parks Foundation Wants to Plant 100,000 New Pine Trees in One Year

Here's how you can help.

05/20/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Video

Let's Learn How to Make Leaf & Lentil's Everything Salad

Via Zoom, chef Mike Schoening explains how to whip up a tasty and customizable salad.

05/18/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Sarasota Wants to Help Restaurants Expand or Add Outdoor Dining

Restaurants in the City of Sarasota can apply for a "temporary outdoor café permit" that allows more seating outside.

05/14/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Couch Cuisine

Where to Get the Best Takeout in Sarasota Right Now

Because of COVID-19, many of us are ordering takeout more often than ever before. Here are our current go-to destinations for an at-home feast.

05/14/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker and Allison Forsyth

That time of year again

Savor Sarasota Returns Next Week

The annual restaurant promotion offers multi-course meals at outstanding prices.

05/13/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Victory is sweet

Honey Company Offers Virtual Farmers' Market

The Suncoast Victory Market includes vendors selling everything from freshly baked bread to raw milk and local produce.

05/13/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Restaurant Employment Plummets

The National Restaurant Association estimates that 598,000 restaurant jobs have been lost in Florida alone.

05/11/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Now or Never

The Race Is on to Preserve Orange Hammock Ranch Forever

To seal the deal, the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast must raise $300,000 before the end of the month.

05/11/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Restaurants Adjust to Newly Loosened Dining Rules

Some Sarasota restaurants have already seen a boost in foot traffic, while at other restaurants it has not increased much.

05/08/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Hot fun in the summertime

MTV's Siesta Key Returns Tonight

New episodes of the show promise plenty of sun, surf and "sabotage."

05/05/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

5/5

Where to Get a Cinco De Mayo Feast

Six restaurants that are offering excellent options for your fiesta.

05/05/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

How COVID-19 Has Complicated the Process for Adoptions and Foster Families

The pandemic has caused a decline in the number of potential new homes for kids who need them.

05/04/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coronavirus

Some Local Restaurants Will Begin Offering Limited In-Person Dining

Per new state rules, restaurants must follow social distancing regulations and limit indoor seating to 25 percent of total capacity.

05/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Video

Let's Learn How to Make Edamame Succotash With Nancy Krohngold

Via Zoom, the owner of Nancy's Bar-B-Q gives us the recipe for one of her most beloved side dishes.

04/30/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Haus Party

New Vietnamese Restaurant Opens

Búnhaus specializes in affordable and customizable spring rolls, bánh mì sandwiches, bowls and pho.

04/28/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Can do

How to Get Your Hands on Local Beer Despite Taproom Closures

There's no reason to subsist on substandard beer while you ride this thing out.

04/24/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Two birds, one stone

New College Economist Says a Massive 'Green Stimulus' Could Boost the Economy

"It has never been cheaper to invest in the green economy we need," says Mark Paul.

04/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker