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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.

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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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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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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The Florida Renaissance Festival in Deerfield Beach offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in a fantasy world  with performers, artisans and activities inspired by another place and time. Discount opportunities are offered. The popular event in 2026 is on weekends from February 7 – March 29 at Quiet Waters Park, 954-357-5100, 401 S. Powerline Road, …

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World Fest in Weston offers an international array of flavors, fashion, displays, art, singing, dancing and other live entertainment. Entry is free for Weston World Fest festivities in 2026 is 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 1, offering entertainment and things to do for kids and adults. Weston World Fest features performances and interactive …

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For an outdoor activity with tasty fare, lots of free events in South Florida feature food trucks. Often events in Miami, Broward & greater Palm Beach include live music, fun for youngsters, or other entertainment. Lots of food truck events are in parks and free to attend. Pair dinner with a nature walk, fun on …

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Delight in the rhythms of live bands with DJs and line dancing at Smooth Sounds Soirée in Pompano Beach. The Soirée events in 2025 include 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, November 15 with free entry.  Food trucks are at the event for those who want to purchase dinner.  Performers include  Deep Fried Funk  Richard …

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Interactive and exciting, Ignite Broward features immersive light, sound and projection art displays in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach. The events, which include performances, and displays are free. Ignite Broward in 2026 is February 13-22 at different venues. The displays feature the work of local, national  and  international artists and designers using impressive technology …

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Some of the best sweethearts are fluffy friends. Humane Society of Broward is offering Adopt A Sweetheart Valentine deals with reduced and waived pet adoption fees. In fact, pets are permitted at some of the free and inexpensive Valentine’s Day ideas  in South Florida. The Adopt a Sweetheart promotion in 2025 is February 14-16 at …

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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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