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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.

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 Singalongs Miss …

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Florida shoppers, rev up your wallets for a tax-free shopping spree.  For a tax freedom event in July, eligible outdoor recreation items and entry to eligible venues and events are exempt from  usual Florida state sales tax. You’ll save at least 6 percent on qualifying purchases. Florida Freedom Month sales tax holiday is July 1-31, …

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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 …

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Old Town in Pompano Beach is the venue for free Backyard Jams events featuring local and regional bands. The events are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the first and third Fridays July through September, while Old Town Untapped is on a break. Entertainment featured includes: July 5: Sacred Union Band July 19: Relentless August 2: …

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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 …

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Pull out your favorite swimwear. The water playground at Quiet Waters Park offers occasional extra events and opportunities for discounts. Splash Adventure is an interactive shallow water playground with slides and spritzy features. Quiet Waters Park is at 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach 33442.  Water playground fees & discounts $6 per day, and free …

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For folks who sign up for the free Family rewards program at Ikea, participating restaurants in the home goods stores offers deals. Some deals are offered to shoppers with or without the Family Rewards program. Ikea Restaurant deals include: Mondays $3 for 8-piece Veggie Ball & Plant Ball plates, requires Family Rewards ID, while the …

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Some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach and other towns in Broward are free. Allow your wallet a break and browse these recommendations. Places with free entry ArtServe Fort Lauderdale  The venue  offers a gallery and gift shop with an emphasis on work featuring South Florida artists. It is usually …

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Water Taxi on The Intracoastal Waterway runs scenic routes in Fort Lauderdale and an express route from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood. Discount opportunities are offered, including 20 percent off for Florida residents. Information about Water Taxi and purchasing tickets is at 954-467-6677 or online.  Water Taxi routes Some use the yellow vessels to travel from …

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For a free family activity, ArtsPark in Hollywood features events with inflatables, games and entertainment. The Summer Fun events in 2024 are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays in July and part of August, and offered prior to free outdoor family films at the park. Feel free to bring portable seats and blankets. ArtsPark is …

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For an interesting twist on nightlife activities, register for evening nature walks at Broward parks.  Some parks occasionally offer night hikes in forests, prairies, on shorelines and other intriguing outdoor spaces. On the tour, you’ll savor distinctive nocturnal sights, scents and sounds of evenings in the wild. It’s a nice idea for a romantic date, …

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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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