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.

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

Tender is the night

New Chicken Tender 'Ghost Kitchen' Comes to Sarasota

Tender Shack is a new delivery-only offering from the company behind Outback Steakhouse.

03/10/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Greek Squad

'Greek Nights' at Athens Family Restaurant Kick Off Saturday

The weekly parties will include belly dancing and a three-course prix-fixe menu.

03/08/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Mobile Home

Why One Sarasota Couple Decided to Live on Their Boat—For Good

“We said, ‘We’re not going to do this when we’re 80. If we’re going to do it, let’s do it.'"

03/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Dockside Dining

The Best Dockside Dining in Sarasota

Where to tie up for a great meal while you’re out on the water.

03/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Boating Guide

Five Great Boating Adventures

Take to the seas with these recreational day trips and overnight excursions.

03/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Gulf Gate on the Grow

Four New Restaurants Have Opened in Gulf Gate

Covid-19 hasn't slowed the dining district's growth.

03/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Pandemic

Restaurant Sales Were Down 26 Percent in January

A new National Restaurant Association report shows that eateries around the country continue to struggle because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

03/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Rare species

Whatever Happened to the Early Bird Special?

The decline of this once-common dining discount says a lot about how Sarasota has changed.

03/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Stack 'Em High

Indulge in a Beloved Anna Maria Island Breakfast Tradition

These pancakes'll deliver more than enough carbs to power you up for a day in the sun.

03/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Let's Eat

Virtual Eat Local Week Kicks Off March 14

Events will include talks on edible gardening and labor standards in agriculture, a movie screening and a cooking challenge with two talented Sarasota chefs.

03/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker