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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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Nibble on fare from food trucks in North Lauderdale and delight in the groove of Reaxtion Band. Feel free to bring blankets or portable seats. Reaxtion Band performs Motown hits. Other features include a kids zone and vendors.  The event in 2026 is 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, April 24 and entry is free.  …

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Performances, activities and free books are are featured at a Broward Library BookFest for youngsters and their families. The family BookFest event in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Saturday, May 30, and entry is free. Books are distributed while supplies last.  It’s at West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation 33324. Parking …

Read More about Entertainers, dancing & free books at Youth BookFest at library in Plantation & it’s free

Plantation Parks and Recreation is featuring Water Safety Day with an opportunity for free swimming lessons. Water Safety Day in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Plantation Aquatics, 9151 NW Second Street, Plantation 33324. Parking is free. The event includes water safety demonstrations, vendors and games. Free swim lessons are …

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Sports enthusiasts and families are drawn to Weston Regional Park for its array of features and free events. The park amenities include shaded playground roller hockey rinks beach tennis pickle ball sand volleyball picnic shelters lighted walking path bike DIY repair station EV vehicle station basketball team athletic  fields The park offers free occasional events …

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Reducing water waste is kind to your wallet. And to the planet. As an incentive to replace old toilets with fresher versions that save water, rebates are offered to eligible Broward residents. The Broward Water Partnership offers rebates of $125 per toilet when replacing an older model with a more efficient, low-flow, WaterSense-rated toilet. Eligible …

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Pull out your favorite flip flops. If you’re interested in volunteering to protect the ocean from plastic discards and other marine litter, some events in Broward include pick-up projects at the beach.  Dania Beach  Dania Beach is offering a beach litter pick-up event 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Ocean Park Beach,  …

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For fun, free outdoor excursions, lots of people delight in nature walks in parks.  For extra fun, direct your attention on birds. If you’re interested in bird watching or birding, libraries in Broward and greater Palm Beach loan equipment for free.  Sierra Taliaferro, a parks naturalist in Broward, offers some information on the delightful activity. “All …

Read More about Free birding backpacks on loan at libraries for nature hikes

The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood offers free entry from noon to 4 p.m. the third Sunday of most months. In addition to art exhibits on display, Free Arts! Family Day often includes family-friendly activities like art workshops. Regular prices other days are $7 for adults and $4 for kids, students and seniors. Entry …

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Dance, symphony and vocal performances are among the array of free events at Baily Hall theater in Davie.  For many events, tickets are not required.  Entry is offered while seating is available. Some events require reservations. Events in 2026  7:30 p.m. April 21, Broward Choral Society and choir performing Gospel, theater favorites and others.  7:30 …

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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, …

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.

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