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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.

Put on your dancing shoes. Swing Out, South Florida offers dance lessons and dance socials in Fort Lauderdale. The events include a lesson at 7:45 p.m. and a dance event 8:30 p.m. with a DJ playing Swing and Jazz. Entry fee is $10 for adults and $6 for students. The event brings together dancers from …

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YMCA South Florida organizations offer free swim lessons for water safety. The lessons are for kids, teens and adults.  Free lessons in 2025 are March 24-28, and registration is required online. The programs offer opportunities for free swimsuits. YMCA facilities in Broward offering free swim instruction include Pembroke Pines, Weston, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood.  Residency in …

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For youngsters and others who enjoy tooling around on wheels, lots of recreation departments in Broward offer events that focus on information about bikes and bicycle safety. Some include bike rides, helmet fittings and bike rodeos for youngsters. Events in 2025 include Featured events Weston Family Night Bicycle Safety Bingo is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April …

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Enhance your entertainment repertoire with a free outdoor performance featuring South Florida Symphony Orchestra in Weston. The  show  in 2025  is at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, behind the Bell Tower at Weston Town Center, a shopping and dining plaza northwest of Bonaventure Boulevard and Royal Palm Boulevard. The address is 1900 Bell Tower Lane, …

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Ready for some fun outdoors? Pompano Beach offers free live entertainment as part of its “Music Under The Stars” events. Usually on second Fridays, except June, July and August, delight in entertainment from different bands at the Great Lawn venue, on Atlantic and Pompano Beach boulevards. Live events, when offered, usually are 7 p.m. – 9 …

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Kids work with their hands putting together fun projects at free interactive workshops offered in South Florida at participating Home Depot and Lowe’s stores. At the workshops, youngsters build a toy truck, a photo holder, or other item. Parents or others are invited to work with them. It’s a good idea to register online, especially …

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Nab a 2-for-1 drink deal Thursdays at The Wharf in Fort Lauderdale. The offer is valid for 2-for-1 martini drinks.  The deal is valid while the promotion is on. The Wharf is an open-air event venue with food vendors overlooking the New River in Fort Lauderdale, 20 W. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale. After dark, …

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Porcelain, pottery and glassware are on display at WMODA in Hollywood. Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts, referred to as WMODA, is at 3250 North 29th Avenue, Hollywood 33020.  A discount is offered for women on International Women’s Day. Regular entry fees are $15 for adults $12 for seniors $5 for students $5 for military free …

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Rock out in Weston. The town offers occasional WestonNights free events with live bands at Weston Regional Park. If you want a snack, food trucks are usually at the events. Outdoor events in 2025 include 7 p.m. Saturday, February 8 “Divas Through the Decades” Stella Fusion 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8  blends vibrant rhythms of …

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If you like being out and about without spending a wad of dough, Broward offers plenty of free and inexpensive festivals, holiday events and live entertainment. Many are free. Events include festivities for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter, as well as festivals, art shows and free concerts, with many events to choose from every day …

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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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