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Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

Orange Blossom Festival offers vendors, live bands and things to do for kids in Davie. A parade and a petting farm are included in the events. The Orange Blossom Festival  in 2026 is Friday, February 27, Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, and entry to most events is free. Free Festival at Bamford Park …

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For a fresh approach to navigating sights and shopping in Fort Lauderdale, step aboard a free water trolley. The LauderGO Water Trolley ferries guests along a river route to an assortment of  points along the New River, all for free. The Water Trolley service is separate from Water Taxi vessels. Fees apply for Water Taxi. …

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If you’re looking to soak  in the outdoors in South Florida, Fern Forest in north Broward is a lush oasis for nature walks and occasional free astronomy programs with telescopes. Delight in the scenic setting on your own or register for a guided hike. Most events are free or relatively inexpensive. Entry into the natural …

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For reducing energy use in your South Florida residence, Florida Power & Light offers free online resources. Using less electricity when the weather is frosty or hot outdoors helps save money on utilities fees. FPL Tips for Heating Homes Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Every degree below 68 saves you 5% on …

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Parks are perfect for outdoor excursions with your pooch. Occasionally, parks offer extra festivities for pets and pet lovers, such as Doggie-Palooza in Plantation. The popular outdoor expo in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 31, with the entry fee of $2 per person. Dogs attend free. It’s at Happy Tails Park, …

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Flamingo Gardens in Davie  is a popular attraction with wildlife habitats, botanical gardens and occasional extra events and activities including festivals and live entertainment.    Flamingo Gardens prices & discounts Regular entry fees are $24 ages 12 and older, $17 for ages 3-11 20% discount, which is $19.20  for seniors age 65 and older, veterans, …

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Popular Jazz Brunch events offer an afternoon of free outdoor entertainment along scenic Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. The events are usually 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on first Sundays, with performers at different points along Riverwalk and Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. Jazz Brunch If you’d like, bring your own picnic or …

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Go outside for lunch and delight in the sounds of a live band.  Noon Tunes events in 2026 are noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays in February and March featuring live music at Ward Plaza in Fort Lauderdale. The lunch break entertainment is at 420 SE Sixth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. Bands include: February 4 Big Harvest …

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Entry is free for the Seminole Tribal Fair & Pow Wow, a family event in Hollywood featuring Native arts, exhibition dancing, films, food, entertainment, drumming, wildlife shows and vendors. The Seminole Tribal Fair in 2026 will be Friday-Sunday, January 30-February 1 at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood 33314. Entertainment and events include: …

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The Fort Lauderdale Home Design & Remodeling Show features a wide assortment of  exhibitors, product demonstrations and presentations. Local and national vendors display flooring, indoor and outdoor furniture,  kitchen design, solar items, doors, landscaping, lighting, roofing, and lots of other items and ideas  for home building and home improvement.  The indoor event includes speakers and …

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Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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