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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.

Residents who volunteer to rescue and foster homeless kittens are valuable in South Florida. Some of the rescued kitties are newborns. Others are wandering streets and neighborhoods. For folks interested in rescuing abandoned kittens or fostering them until they’re old enough to be adopted, free information and workshops are offered at Broward Library branches. Kitten …

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Free paper shredding and safe prescription disposal are offered by Broward Sheriff’s Office exclusively for Broward residents. Shred-A-Thon events are intended to avoid identity theft by shredding personal papers with private information.  The events also accept old unused prescription medications for safe disposal.  In fact, incentives are offered for turning in prescriptions. The reward is …

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Tradewinds Park in northwest Broward features an educational farm with sheep, a pig, and other animals. Farm tours are usually offered on weekends for $3 a person. Entry for Tradewinds Park on weekends and holidays is a separate fee, $3 per vehicle for up to 8 people. On tour, depending on the day, participants likely …

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Pondhawk Natural Area is among the delightful areas of wilderness within the urban and suburban fabric of South Florida. It’s open to the public for free. It includes wetlands and a fun StoryWalk and is in Boca Raton. For insider info, Lee Lietzke of Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) offers his …

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Plenty of fun things to do with kids in Broward are free or relatively inexpensive. That’s perfect for enjoying Spring Break. Broward Libraries Broward libraries offer a wealth of free resources including birding gear, high-tech equipment and robotics. Libraries also offer entertainment and activities for kids, teenagers and adults. Browse events at different branches online. …

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For reducing energy use in your South Florida residence, Florida Power & Light offers free online resources. Using less electricity helps save money on utilities fees. FPL Rebates Air-conditioning rebate of $150 for energy efficient units and following the program requirements Ceiling insulation rebate of $220 for eligible projects FPL Tips Turn off your overhead …

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Sea Shorts Play Festival offers an entertaining show for adults featuring local performers.  The production by Seaside Players features a bunch of  original short plays written by Florida playwrights. Performances in 2025 include 7 p.m. Friday, May, 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 7 p.m. Friday, May 9 4 p.m. Saturday, …

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Games focusing on water safety, food vendors and entertainment are featured at Water Safety Family Fun Day in Fort Lauderdale. The event in 2024 is 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday March 10 and entry is free. The venue is Esplanade Park,  400 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale 33312 on the Riverwalk promenade along The …

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Latin rhythms with live bands are featured at free events at a park in Fort Lauderdale. Viernes Musicals are at Riverland Park, 950 SW 27th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33312. Feel free to bring seating and snacks. The park phone number is 954-828-5320. In 2025, events include: 7 p.m.  Friday, April 11  Orquesta Calle Sol 7 …

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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 …

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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.

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