Blake Fontenay is a veteran journalist who has worked in Florida, Tennessee, Colorado and California. He's a graduate of the University of Florida journalism program. He's the author of three published novels, a history book and other shorter works. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, bicycling, canoeing and snorkeling.
Our journalists adhere to the USA TODAY NETWORK Principles of Ethical Conduct For Newsrooms.
My Recent Work
Milwaukee and Tampa Bay are about to make history. We're in!Blake Fontenay and Thuan Le Elston
A politician became my friend. How we learned to disagree respectfullyBlake Fontenay
When majority rule feels like tyranny, our system isn't workingBlake Fontenay
Why does a college president need a $700,000 compensation package?Blake Fontenay
When we need an app for everything, do we still control our lives?Blake Fontenay
Florida housing law gets 'affordable' all wrong. Guess who it helps?Blake Fontenay
It doesn't matter if Fauci is a good guy. I'm alive because of him.Blake Fontenay
Buc-ee's supersized stores aren't all that and a bag of jerkyBlake Fontenay
Alligator attacks in Florida are uncommon – and unavoidableBlake Fontenay
My hometown made it big. Now I can't go back.Blake Fontenay
We love everything about trains except actually riding them. Why?Blake Fontenay
If prescription drugs are the issue, don't give Tiger Woods a mulliganBlake Fontenay
We can't just build our way to affordable housingBlake Fontenay
Malls are dead. We're losing more than a place to shopBlake Fontenay
Malls are dead. We're losing more than a place to shop.Blake Fontenay
University of Florida basketball succeeds by showing admirable traitsBlake Fontenay
Florida's growth is both its problem and solutionBlake Fontenay
'How am I doing?' There's such a thing as too much feedback.Blake Fontenay
If your opinion doesn't survive college, maybe that's the pointBlake Fontenay
A frog leg festival is as American as it getsBlake Fontenay
A dog and a divorce: How one made the other a little more manageableBlake Fontenay
Ending property taxes sounds great. Or does it?Blake Fontenay
Meet the Florida town that can actually survive hurricanesBlake Fontenay
I spent Thanksgiving fighting for my life. I gained so much more.Blake Fontenay
Florida gifted Trump land for his library. Then the questions started.Blake Fontenay
How Florida's richest use your money to rebuild after hurricanesBlake Fontenay
A would-be Trump assassin is on trial. Why aren't we talking about it?Blake Fontenay
E-bikes are everywhere. And it's driving me to frustration.Blake Fontenay
AI and dating aren't a match made in heavenBlake Fontenay
How Happy Gilmore appeals to both Trump voters and the woke among usBlake Fontenay
Et tu, Southwest? Sky-high airline fees push me into middle seat.Blake Fontenay
You may not interact with immigrants, but you profit from their laborBlake Fontenay
Four years of Brightline, IRSC, growth plans, sheriff's race, and more
Rio Marine Village, a development supported by neighborhood residents?
Will someone new buy land around Crayon founder Edwin Binney's estate?
Blake's Take: Indiantown faces prosperous future, if it can survive
Staff pick: Hideout Kava Bar in Stuart is great place to unwind, relax
Blake's Take: How did Gilbert's Bar get its name? 'Tis a pirate tale!
IRSC should give back $6 million grant or get a waiver from FDOEEditorial Board
Fort Pierce's Causeway Cove project a good litmus test for the region
Indian River State College asked for state money it didn't really need
Blake's Take: Port St. Lucie needs Green Dolphin Street to draw fans
Studying Stuart's past offers lessons about building a better future
Five possible keys to future growth along Treasure CoastBlake Fontenay and Laurence Reisman
TCPalm columnists took new twist on century-old Treasure Coast topicLaurence Reisman and Blake Fontenay
Treasure Coast, Indian River malls wise to evolve as the times change
St. Lucie splinters lead to century of change in Indian River, MartinBlake Fontenay and Laurence Reisman
Fort Pierce city manager will face tough pick on new police chief
With department divided, Fort Pierce police chief Hobley-Burney resigns
Blake's Take: Fort Pierce shouldn't rush to fire its police chief