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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.

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk offers a delightful stretch along the New River for sightseeing, photography and romantic walks.  Riverwalk runs along the river from about Southwest Fifth Street east toward Federal Highway, incorporating Esplanade Park. It also serves as a scenic venue for food festivals and live jazz.   Riverwalk Photography Tips Jason Leidy, who’s with Middle …

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Welleby Park in Sunrise is sporting fun features. For kids, amenities include a nature-theme splash pad for wet fun, a playground with a rubberized safety surface, and a Safety Town play area.  For a stroll, a boardwalk runs along a lake. Dogs are welcome to nose around Pawgrass Dog Park. Welleby Park, 954-747-4600, is at …

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Watch a rescued turtle dine on greens. With a focus on protecting oceans and their wildlife inhabitants, Marine Environmental Education in Hollywood is open to the public with exhibits and a saltwater pool where you can watch a rescued sea turtle swim and eat. The female sea turtle on site is not releasable due to …

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Enhance a walk in the park with a story along the way. Waters Edge Park in Tamarac features a story trail. Story trails, also referred to as story walks, are outdoor exhibits featuring pages from a storybook displayed along a path. It’s a free activity for families with kids — and a great way to …

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If you’re eager to be out and about, Broward offers lots of events in September that are free or relatively inexpensive. Food trucks. Live music. Fall festivities.  Great for date nights, family activities and solo excursions. September events in 2025 in Broward Broward Attractions and Museums Month  Several Broward attractions offer 2-for-1 deals in September, …

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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. Old Davie School Historical Museum, 954-797-1044, is at 6650 Griffin Road, Davie 33314 Entry fees Regular entry fees are $10, …

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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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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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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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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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