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.

Troubled Times

Sarasota's Black Community Reacts to the Death of George Floyd

A chorus of voices speaks out about racism, justice and our future.

06/02/2020 By Susan Burns, Megan McDonald, Heather Dunhill, Kay Kipling, Jessika Ward, and Cooper Levey-Baker

Island time

A Server Laid Off Because of COVID-19 Has a New Project: A Puerto Rican Food Truck

After he lost his job, Antonio Pereira decided to open Savor 100x35.

06/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

It's a deal

Savor Sarasota Starts Today

The program runs through Sunday, June 14, with at least 50 restaurants offering multi-course meals for $16 at lunch and $32 at dinner.

06/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Data

Annual Survey Shows Drop in Area's Homeless Population

But there is rising concern about how the economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to more homelessness.

05/29/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The politics of the pandemic

Sarasota's Supervisor of Elections Explains Why Voting by Mail Remains 'Safe and Secure'

Ron Turner walks us through how voting by mail works in Sarasota County.

05/27/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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