Keeping Pets Happy and Healthy, Keeping Teen Drivers Safe and More in Patch's Local Voices

We love all of our contributors to Local Voices who provide Patch readers unique perspectives, thought-provoking opinions and advice on a variety of subjects. 

Here's a rundown of some of our community contributions this week:

How to Make the Road of Mothering a Blast

In her debut blog, South Tampa social worker, mental health counselor and mom Robin Maier talks the rewards and frustrations of being a mother and offers some tips on how to get the most out of your relationship with your family.

South Tampa-Hyde Park Patch welcomed Davis Islands resident Jenn Fadal to its team of contributors. Fadal is the owner of the natural pet market, Wag, and author of the popular blog, The Pack Mom, in which she extols the virtues of pet ownership. In her first Patch blog, Fadal says pet owners don't need to adorn their pets with diamond-encrusted collars and give them spa treatments to make them happy. The key to a pet's happiness, she said, is a healthy diet, exercise, health care and love.

Memorial Day Starts the 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers

Michele Money-Carson of AT&T discusses AT&T's life-saving "It Can Wait" movement in which 1.5 million drivers have pledged not to text while driving. 

Southern Living Showcase Home Kickoff Draws a Crowd

Javic Homes is designing and building the Tampa Southern Living Custom Builder Showcase Home and recently held a kickoff event at Maggiano's at West Shore Plaza that attracted more than 80 Tampa Bay area vendors.

Southwest Florida Water Management District Recognizes Water Reuse Week

Susanna Martinez Tarokh of SWFWMD highlights the importance of water reuse to sustain Florida's water supply and maintain the health of the ecosystem. 

You could be a blogger South Tampa-Hyde Park Patch, too. Just go to the Local Voices section and click the "want to blog on patch" button at the bottom of the column. It's a simple, free and a fun way to express your thoughts and share your expertise.