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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.

When kids are out of school for the summer, parents in South Florida appreciate ideas for fun things to do. Especially, if those activities are free, cheap or come with a discount. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties offer lots of fun and entertainment for families, both indoors and outdoors.   We have beaches, parks and …

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Florida Panthers scored their way into the National Hockey League playoffs, and FLA Live Arena in Sunrise is offering watch parties for a few of the exciting games. Panthers are playing Vegas Golden Knights for the top NHL trophy. The arena in South Florida — home arena of The Panthers — is offering watching events …

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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 greater Palm Beach. This list is periodically revised to reflect new distribution sites. It’s wise to phone or verify on social websites if …

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Popular Jazz Brunch events offer an afternoon of free outdoor entertainment along scenic Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. The events are usually 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on first Sundays, with performers at different points along Riverwalk and Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL. If you’d like, bring your own picnic or buy …

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Dozens of impressive LEGO sculptures on display at Flamingo Gardens in Davie include polar bear, zebra and lion. The Nature POP sculptures are formed with 800,000 LEGO bricks by artist Sean Kenney. Flamingo Gardens in Davie  is a popular attraction with wildlife habitats, botanical gardens and occasional extra events and activities including festivals and live …

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Fans of Food Trucks, point your vehicles to ArtsPark in Hollywood. ArtsPark Food Truck events in 2023 are usually offered 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. first Mondays at the park on Hollywood Boulevard and Federal Highway, Hollywood 33020. Other amenities at the park include a splash pad, playground and thick baobab trees from Africa. Street …

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Festive Pride parades, street fairs and displays offer fun on land in South Florida — and in the water. Lots of Pride events and displays in 2023 for Pride Month in June are free, or are relatively inexpensive. Occasionally you’ll save some dough in Broward, greater Palm Beach and Dade if you purchase tickets prior …

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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 …

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For artists, DIYers and other shoppers who appreciate a deal, Resource Depot sells excess supplies and an eclectic array of items at discount prices. Resource Depot in West Palm Beach focuses on reusing and repurposing random items donated by businesses and individuals.  Artists, educators and families often pick up assorted items for art projects.  Some …

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Events are weather permitting   If you’re thinking about going out for dinner, perhaps you’ll venture out to a park.  Food truck fare is featured at Volunteer Park in Plantation. Events are 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesdays, & usually include live entertainment, activities and local artisan vendors.   Select fare from your favorite vendor …

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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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