Blake Fontenay

1 week ago | tcpalm.com | Blake Fontenay

Downtown underwent a major revitalization during the 1980s and 1990s. That history is chronicled in Blake Fontenay's book, "Saving Stuart, Florida."What happened in the 1980s and 1990s can offer lessons as current residents plan for the future. The question was straightforward, but it still caught me a little off guard. It happened a few weeks ago, at an event promoting my latest book, "Saving Stuart, Florida," at B Boutique, a bookstore on Ocean Boulevard in Stuart.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Blake Fontenay |Laurence Reisman

A century ago, Indian River and Martin counties formed from St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties. Columnists Laurence Reisman and Blake Fontenay briefly reviewed the history behind the split as well as looked into the future of what is now known as the Treasure Coast.

2 weeks ago | tcpalm.com | Blake Fontenay

Fort Pierce Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney resigned a week after the City Commission discussed a report about improving her department's operations. City Manager Richard Chess will pick Hobley-Burney's replacement, with the commission's consent and approval. After only eight weeks on the job, Chess is faced with one of the biggest decisions of his tenure with the city. Welcome to Fort Pierce, Richard Chess. After eight weeks on the job, your honeymoon as city manager is officially over.

2 weeks ago | tcpalm.com | Blake Fontenay

Fort Pierce Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney said she gave City Manager Richard Chess her resignation May 18. The Fort Pierce City Commission scheduled a special meeting May 19 to discuss the chief's job performance. Hobley-Burney said her resignation will take effect 90 days after the commission accepts it. Facing mounting criticism and a divided department, Fort Pierce Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney said she submitted her resignation to City Manager Richard Chess May 18.

1 month ago | tcpalm.com | Blake Fontenay

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum wants to add a new building to its campus north of Fort Pierce. Some condominium residents who live nearby worried about noise and traffic from special events if the expansion plans were granted. The St. Lucie County Commission granted the museum permission to expand, but with some concessions to address neighbors' concerns. Editor’s note: Blake’s Takes are quick-hit reactions to news across the Treasure Coast.