Clicky Skip to Content

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.

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 …

Read More about Use telescopes for free at Fox Observatory in West Broward

Free school supplies are offered at lots of events in Broward for students returning to school. Events sometimes include free groceries, food vouchers, and free haircuts.  Back To School events occasionally include fun and entertainment, with fashion shows and activities. Some provide free backpacks loaded with school supplies for eligible students, while supplies last. Eligibility …

Read More about Free school supplies, backpacks & back to school events in Broward

Plantatation is offering a free shuttle for lifts within a designated area that includes plenty of plazas with restaurants and shops. Download the app to request the Freebee shuttle. The electric vehicles travel in the Midtown district.  The area is within University Drive and Pine Island Road and includes The Fountains plaza, Plantation Walk others.  …

Read More about Plantation offers free Freebee shuttle in shopping & dining district

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk offers a delightful stretch along the New River for sightseeing, photography and romantic walks.  Riverwalk runs along the river from about Southwest Fifth Street east toward Federal Highway, incorporating Esplanade Park. It also serves as a scenic venue for food festivals and live jazz.   Riverwalk Photography Tips Jason Leidy, who’s with Middle …

Read More about Riverwalk is delightful for waterfront walks, photos & festivals

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. Food distributions are in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Often the organizations accept volunteers and donations. This list is periodically revised to reflect new distribution sites. It’s wise to phone …

Read More about Free food distributions & resources for residents in need

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, …

Read More about Flamingo Gardens in Davie offers discounts

For an easy nature excursion, the Deerfield Beach Arboretum features about 200 trees from different parts of the world. The nickname for the venue is “Tree Zoo.” Entry is free.  The arboretum is on about nine acres with a walking path. The route includes flowering tropical fruit trees, exotics, palms, wetlands, bamboo, natives, butterfly garden, …

Read More about Deerfield Beach Arboretum offers free entry

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 …

Read More about Urban oasis: Fern Forest is ideal for nature walks & entry is free

 Flippers theater in Hollywood features $5 ticket deals.  Flippers movie theater and arcade offers $5 movies Wednesdays.  The deal does not apply to new releases, special showings or  3D movies.  The $5 offer does not apply to holidays. Flippers theater and arcade is at 7001 Taft St., Hollywood 33024. Sign up for the South Florida …

Read More about $5 deals for films at Flippers

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, …

Read More about Farmers markets & vendor fairs in South Florida

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.

Living on the Cheap in the Media