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.

Honors

Sarasota Magazine Wins Five Society for Professional Journalism Awards

The publication was recognized for public service reporting, food and travel writing, cover design and more.

08/28/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Welcome Home

Nancy's Bar-B-Q Has Opened in the Rosemary District

Owner Nancy Krohngold says she's thrilled to be back downtown.

08/15/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Neighborhood Guide

The Best Restaurants in Venice

From sunup to sundown, Venice residents have plenty of options for a great meal. Here are our favorites.

08/09/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker and Lauren Jackson

R.I.P.

Actor Paul Reubens, Creator of Pee-wee Herman, Has Died

The comedy legend with deep Sarasota ties died Sunday from cancer.

07/31/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Hot Topics

Inside The Fight Against Cyberstalking

In 2019, more than 3.4 million Americans reported being a victim of stalking or cyberstalking, and 71.2 percent of those victims were women.

07/05/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Let's Go!

In St. Augustine, Take a Trip Back in Time

With a bevy of fun live music venues and festivals, hip bars and restaurants and plenty of historical sites to explore, this city is gorgeous, walkable and lively.

06/29/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Let's Go!

Island Hopping Is a Great Way to See The Florida Keys

There are so many places to explore along the way as you make the scenic drive south.

06/29/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

🌀🔮🌀🔮🌀🔮

Hurricane Season Starts Today. We Asked an 'Intuitive Storyteller' What to Expect.

Gaze into the future with us.

06/01/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

🦀🐟🐙🦪🦞🐠🦐🦑

The New Owen's Fish Camp in Lakewood Ranch Is Open

If you like the downtown Sarasota Owen's, you'll find plenty to enjoy here, too.

05/26/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

MVP

Dick Vitale Gala Raises $12.4 Million for Pediatric Cancer Research

The star-studded event took place last Friday in Sarasota.

05/08/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q & A

Stephen Root on HBO's Barry, the Coen Brothers and Why He Always Wanted to Be a Character Actor

The Sarasota-born actor has played nearly 300 film and television roles.

05/04/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

R.I.P.

Remembering Legendary Talk Show Host Jerry Springer

The longtime Sarasota resident died Thursday after a brief illness.

04/27/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

From the Editor

The Freedom to Read

Fear will drive good teachers out of the school system and undermine people’s trust in public education.

03/01/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards

Dr. Manuel Gordillo Steers a Community Through a Deadly Pandemic

"I’m so proud of the health care system. These are humbling experiences.”

01/09/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Best Part of Waking Up

Sarasota's Best Breakfasts

Whatever breakfast means to you, our area is rich with options. From humble diners to culinary temples, local eateries serve a stunning variety of morning meals.

01/03/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker and Lauren Jackson