Clicky Skip to Content

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.

Whether it’s an emphasis on romance, hanging out with friends, family and your pet, or treating yourself, Valentine’s Day is a perfect occasion to do something special. South Florida offers plenty of things to do, including free and inexpensive venues and activities.  Some of the Valentine events are before or after Valentine’s Day. 2024 Valentine’s …

Read More about Free & inexpensive ideas for Valentine’s Day & a few indulgences

If you out and about Presidents’ Day,  plenty of free and inexpensive things to do are offered in South Florida.  Some are ideal for families with kids, or with adult friends or on your own. In 2024 Presidents’ Day is February 19, and keep reading for  ideas for fun in Broward, greater Palm Beach and …

Read More about Free and cheap things to do in South Florida on Presidents’ Day

Regardless of the weather, live webcams offer virtual excursions to South Florida sights and attractions, including shorelines, and piers. Waves roll ashore. Sunshine — or rain — sparkles on the ocean’s surface. Palm fronds sway. From home, soak up dazzling ocean scenes and other sights from South Florida, including zoos, parks and shopping districts. Some …

Read More about Rainy day idea: Watch webcams of Florida oceans & other iconic venues

Grab a bite from your favorite food trucks. Groove to live music. Coral Springs is hosting a concert and entry is free. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Events in 2024 include 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Saturday February 10, with entertainment, vendors and face painting.  The band rocks out with hits from Earth, …

Read More about Food trucks & live band in Coral Springs

Food vendors, kids zone and live entertainment are included at Soul Fest in Oakland Park. Soul Fest  is 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday, February 7, and entry is free. Food trucks offer food and drinks for purchase. Entertainment features The Derek Mack Band. Parking is free. The venue is outdoors in Pastorius Park, 4000 …

Read More about Free entry for Soul Fest in Oakland Park

Free vaccines for pets are offered occasionally at parks and other venues in Broward. The free opportunities usually include microchips for identification. Broward Animal Care rabies vaccinations in 2024 include 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday February 17 at Woodville Dog Park, 1500 SW 83rd Avenue, North Lauderdale 33068. Registration is not required. Parking is …

Read More about Free vaccines for pets

If you like a selection of free and inexpensive things to do, Broward offers a variety of  events that likely fit your fancy. Lively festivals and other events are ideal for frugal excursions with family, friends, and yourself. Plenty of events are free. Parking is often free. Occasionally parking fees may apply. For events in …

Read More about Festivals and events in February in Broward

Delight in exciting events, live entertainment  and interactive displays offered for Lauderdale Art Week in Broward.  Lauderdale Art Week in 2025 is January 25 – February 2 and plenty of the events and exhibits are free.  Theater performances and some other events require a fee. Lauderdale Art Week events include Ignite Broward Ignite Broward features …

Read More about Lauderdale Art Week features free entertainment and exhibits

On weekends and holidays, Broward regional parks require entry fees. Regional Parks include Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield, Tree Tops Park in Davie and several others that usually offer an array of amenities. Previously weekend fees were $1.50 per person for ages 6 and older. Those fees were revised.  For some, the revised weekend fees …

Read More about Broward regional parks revise weekend & holiday fees

If you drive an electric vehicle, some EV stations for powering up are free to use.  The stations are at libraries, parks, and other venues. At some stations, access requires a designated app.  Stations that are free to use usually are slower versions, ideal for workers and others who are leaving their vehicles for a …

Read More about Recharge your electric vehicle at free EV stations

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.

Living on the Cheap in the Media