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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.

Enhance your yard, patio and indoor areas with plants, including native species and edibles. Lots of free information is available for South Florida residents, such as  tips on selecting the perfect plants for a particular area.  For personalized information, landscaping experts from extension offices in Miami-Dade, Broward & West Palm Beach answer questions via phone …

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The delightful Las Olas Oceanside Park, occasionally referred to as LOOP,  offers exciting events, festivals, live entertainment, fitness programs and vendor fairs. Usually events are free. The park is at  3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33316   The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park The MKT  is usually open 9 a.m. – 4 …

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Officials from Broward Animal Division are offering a free device for pets. The free devices are microchips, teeny devices inserted into the pet that offer digital identification information. In 2023, free appointments for Broward residents are offered in June online. Broward Animal Division is at 2400 SW 42nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, 33312. Free & inexpensive …

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For dining out, some people prefer lively food truck events.  Rock The Block food truck events are offered 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. third Saturdays in Dania, and usually include DJ entertainment and games. Some events include live entertainment. Rock The Block is outdoors at the Casino @ Dania Beach, 301 E. Dania Beach Boulevard, …

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With a focus on protecting oceans and sea turtles, the Marine Environmental Education Center 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 turtle on site is not releasable due to injuries from boats, according to a representative …

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Topeekeegee-Yugnee Park in Hollywood – or TY Park, as it’s known – is popular for a variety of outdoor activities. South Floridians love it because it’s a great venue for walking, running or skating on a shady path around a lake lined with oaks. It’s also a venue for festivals and entertainment. TY Park is  …

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For errands, sightseeing or scooting around for fun, a network of self-serve bike pickup and dropoff stations are available in Fort Lauderdale. Bike-share bikes are intended for relatively brief point-to-point excursions. Regular bikes and electric bikes are offered.   Regular Fees $5 for each 30 minutes $35 and $88 for memberships, which includes some free trips …

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Delight in foods and live entertainment representing Asian-American and Pacific Islander friends and neighbors. Asian American and Pacific Islander Evening in 2023 is 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. May 6 outdoors in the park at 6900 Miramar Parkway, Miramar 33023. Entry to the event is free. Asian food items and drinks are available for purchase. …

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Food trucks, movies and live music are featured at free events in Royal Palm Beach. Here is the schedule of free concerts at Royal Palm Beach Commons, 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach 33411 Friday, March 3: Pink Floyd Tribute. Food trucks arrive at 5 pm., with concert at 7 p.m. Bring your own seating. …

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Entry is free for an NHL hockey festival in Fort Lauderdale loaded with fun hockey activities and events for kids and adults. The event hosted by National Hockey League includes hockey personalities and hockey displays. Activities, exhibits and photo ops are free. NHL All Star Beach Festival in 2023 is 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. …

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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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