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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.

Organizations in South Florida offer free food distribution for families needing help. Some sites provide drive-through pickups, while others offer doorstep deliveries for eligible participants. Eligibility requirements vary among different organizations. Some are open to everyone.  Food distributions are in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Often the organizations accept volunteers and donations. This list is …

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  Deerfield Island is a natural area on the Intracoastal Waterway in north Broward that’s accessible by boat. Free water shuttle excursions to Deerfield Island Natural Area are weather permitting, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  The free boat shuttle service usually runs from a dock at Sullivan Park, 1701 Riverview Road, Deerfield Beach, at 10 a.m., …

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Fresh air. Live music. Food trucks. Pack a blanket. Entry for Tunes ‘N Trucks in Sunrise is free.   Tunes ‘N Trucks outdoor events in Sunrise offer free concerts and dining options from your favorite food trucks. The popular series runs October through June and rotates through Sunrise parks.  Live music is at 7 p.m. and …

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The Hollywood Beach Bandshell is a delightful venue for free live entertainment oceanside. Salty breezes. Waves rolling ashore. Favorite local bands, and fans, rocking out. Delightful. The bandshell is on a lovely pedestrian promenade. The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk  runs more than two miles along the beach, and it lined with restaurants, shops and motels. Entertainment …

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On weekends and holidays, some Broward regional parks charge a $3 fee per vehicle to enter. For those who visit county parks regularly on weekends, the Annual Parks Passport may be an attractive deal. The annual park pass costs $30 and allows a vehicle with up to eight people in it to enter without paying …

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Island Water Sports in Deerfield Beach offers free surf and stand-up paddleboard lessons Saturdays at 7 a.m. The two-hour lessons are for ages 5 and older, weather permitting. The number of participants is limited, and registrants should sign up in advance to ensure a spot. To attend, participants register online. Island Water Sports is at …

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Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers free concerts and dancing outdoors in the city’s downtown area in winter and spring.  Friday Night Music Local bands perform Friday Night Music monthly in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The free music performances, weather permitting, are 7 to 10 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month in winter and spring.  Music events in 2026 will be: …

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The South Florida Amateur Astronomy Association offers telescopes at Fox Observatory in Sunrise for peering into the night sky. Fox Observatory is in Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise 33326.  The facility is usually open Saturdays from about dusk until about 11 p.m, weather permitting, and representatives of South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association …

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For art aficionados and folks interested in free things to do, the Coral Springs Museum of Art offers free entry every day to browse the exhibits and displays. The Museum Coral Springs Museum of Art 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs 33065 954-340-5000 Guests age 17 and younger need to be with an adult. Things …

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Watch family-friendly films for free outdoors at ArtsPark in Hollywood.  Movies are usually 8 p.m. Fridays, with occasional exceptions. It’s wise to verify the event is on prior to venturing out.  Films include: Friday, Jan. 8, 2026: How to Train Your Dragon Friday, Jan. 23: Superman (2025) Friday, Jan. 30: Tron Ares Feel free to …

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Shop for fresh produce, prepared foods, vintage treasures, art, decor and other items from South Florida vendors, farmers and artisans at the many farmers’ markets and vendor fairs in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The South Florida farmers markets and vendor fairs often include opportunities for extra fun and entertainment like yoga, live music, …

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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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