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.

Piney Point

Environmentalists Warn That Piney Point Pollution Could Affect Sarasota Bay

More than 200 million gallons of wastewater have been discharged into Tampa Bay. That could have major effects on the health of Sarasota Bay.

04/09/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

House Party

Oak & Stone Launches New 'House Beer'

The restaurant's Snowbird Pilsner will be available at all locations year-round.

04/07/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

Sarasota Moves Ahead With New Rules for 'Hotel Houses'

The regulations are intended to curtail large-scale vacation rentals on Lido and St. Armands keys.

04/07/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Crisis in Palmetto

Piney Point Evacuation Leaves Residents and Business Owners Scared and Anxious

"It will have lasting effects for years to come for the entire county."

04/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Bottled Up

Spice Boys Is Making Beverages Now, Too

The popular food truck is getting into the liquid game with an apple rose tonic and a botanical kola.

04/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Still Happening

Forks & Corks Details Revealed

The festival will be limited this year because of Covid-19 safety precautions, but there's still plenty going on.

04/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Cooking

New Cookbook Offers Flavorful Recipes From Across the Arab World

Reem Kassis' "The Arabesque Table" is a followup to her popular 2017 cookbook "The Palestinian Table."

04/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

Will Sarasota Crack Down on 'Hotel Houses'?

Next week, the Sarasota City Commission will debate implementing new rules to regulate vacation rentals that residents say are ruining their neighborhoods.

03/29/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sugar Shot

Got the Vaccine and Want Your Free Krispy Kreme? You'll Have to Go for a Drive

For those in the Sarasota area, the nearest locations where you can claim your treasure are in St. Petersburg, Brandon, Tampa and Fort Myers.

03/23/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Hitting the Road

G's Southern Kitchen Is Leaving Bobby Jones Golf Club

With the Bobby Jones clubhouse set to be demolished soon, G's is moving out, with plans to operate as a pop-up and mobile food company.

03/19/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Congratulations are in order

Farmers Market Design Contest Winner Announced

The winning image was created by Michael White, a Ringling College of Art and Design graduate and freelance illustrator.

03/18/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Act Now!

Snag Discounted Gift Certificates to Local Restaurants

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is selling vouchers at a 30 percent discount.

03/18/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Eyes on the Prize

You Could Win Free Fried Chicken Sandwiches From the Old Packinghouse Cafe

Customers who order a Buffalo chicken sandwich from J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe this month could land a valuable prize.

03/15/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Beach renourishment

New Concession Stand at Lido Beach Pavilion Opens Next Week

The Lido Island Grill will be overseen by Laszlo Bevardi, the chef and owner of Bevardi's Salute! in downtown Sarasota.

03/12/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

The American Rescue Plan Act Includes Help for the Restaurant Industry

The law creates a $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund to help restaurants and other food businesses struggling because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

03/10/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker