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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.

Water Taxi on The Intracoastal Waterway runs scenic routes in Fort Lauderdale & Pompano Beach, and an express route from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood. Information about Water Taxi and purchasing tickets is at 954-467-6677 or online. Discount opportunities are offered.  Water Taxi routes in Fort Lauderdale Some use the yellow vessels to travel from place …

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YMCA South Florida organizations offer free swim lessons for water safety. The lessons are for kids, teens and adults.  Free lessons in 2025 are March 24-28, and registration is required online. The programs offer opportunities for free swimsuits. YMCA facilities in Broward offering free swim instruction include Pembroke Pines, Weston, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood.  Residency in …

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Free events and entertainment for kids and adults are offered at Plantation Walk, a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining plaza in Plantation. Plantation Walk is at 321 N. University Drive, Plantation. Events usually are free, with free parking. Pets are usually permitted. Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted. Events at Plantation Walk St. Patrick’s …

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Happy Earth Day! With an emphasis on protecting the planet, South Florida features a variety of fun Earth Day fests and other events focusing on the environment in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Many events are free and include entertainment and fun for the whole family. Some feature free plants and other free earth-friendly …

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If you’d like homework help for your kids, local libraries in South Florida offer it online for free. At some libraries, in-person tutoring is available. Also, SAT prep is often is available at these libraries. To receive tutoring, you register with your personal library number to set up an online account. Obtaining a library account …

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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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For youngsters and others who enjoy tooling around on wheels, lots of recreation departments in Broward offer events that focus on information about bikes and bicycle safety. Some include bike rides, helmet fittings and bike rodeos for youngsters. Events in 2025 include Featured events Weston Family Night Bicycle Safety Bingo is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April …

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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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Live entertainment and food trucks are offered for the Earth Day event in Plantation.  Earth Day in Plantation in 2025 is  5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5, with free entry. The Earth Day fest includes educational booths, kids activity area, and food trucks. The festival is at at Pine Island Park, 320 S. …

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Festivals, live entertainment and hands-on activities are among the variety of events offered in Pompano Beach.  Lots of events are free. They’re ideal for dates, families and solo excursions. Events in Pompano Beach include 2025 events Spring Palooza 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, is Spring Palooza with a petting zoo, rides, bubble …

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Living on the CheapMiami 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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