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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.

Think it’s too hot to garden? Perhaps you want to plant radishes, turnips and arugula right inside your South Florida home.  It’s doable, according to a horticulture program representative. Maybe you’ll be inspired. Ideally, you’ll be richly rewarded with a delicious sense of accomplishment and tasty freshly harvested produce. We asked for tips from a …

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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, 954-357-5100, is at 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach 33442.  Water playground fees & discounts $6 per day, and …

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Deals and occasional extra events are offered at Old Davie School, an interesting historical attraction with an authentic old schoolhouse and a replica of a Florida pioneer home. Some events offer free or discounted entry.     Featured Event Hot Rods Halloween auto show and trunk or treat are featured 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. …

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Woofing Waters Dog Park within Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach offers water-spritzing features for dogs. It’s a fun venue for water-loving pets and people who adore their dogs. Entry fees are $5 per day for up to 3 dogs in a family. On weekends and holidays, fees for entry to Quiet Waters Park apply. …

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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 Trunk or …

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Florida is offering its residents an opportunity to purchase storm and safety supplies without paying state sales tax, which is 6 percent. Instead of a shopping event on designated dates, as of August 2025, Florida is exempting eligible supplies from taxes whenever you purchase them. You’ll save at least $6 on every $100 you spend. …

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Rainy days and hot days in South Florida offer an opportunity to focus on indoor fun. Be a tourist in your in your town and savor fresh sights, attractions and things to do. If you’re on a budget, various venues offer free or inexpensive entry, and some offer deals. It’s a good idea to phone …

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Swim or lounge on the deck. Pompano Beach is offering free dive-in movie events. Dive-in movies at 8 p.m. in Pompano Beach in 2025 include: June 6 “Moana 2” July 18 “Shark Tale” August 8 “Mufasa”  Dive-in films are at the aquatics facilities, 901 NW 10th St., Pompano Beach 33060. Dial 954-786-4116 for more information.  …

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The NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale offers free admission as part of Sunny Days/Starry Nights events from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. The events include activities for kids and adults. Often events include 2-for-1 deals on wine. Free hands-on art activities  The free first Thursdays events usually include …

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Delight in the rhythms of disco.  The Disco event in 2025 is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. December 5 and entry is free.   The event includes Original Studio 54 Band at 7 p.m., 6 p.m. Disco dance instruction and 70s attire. If you’d like a bite, food vendors are at the event. Bring your own …

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Free events featuring live bands and art walks are among great things to do in August in Broward.  Best Events in August in Broward Back to School events Plenty of back to school events offer distributions of free backpacks and school supplies for eligible students.    Jamaica Emancipendence Fair in Miramar  Live entertainment with a …

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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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