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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.

For an easy nature excursion, the Deerfield Beach Arboretum features about 200 trees from different parts of the world. The nickname for the venue is “Tree Zoo.” Entry is free.  The arboretum is on about nine acres with a walking path. The route includes flowering tropical fruit trees, exotics, palms, wetlands, bamboo, natives, butterfly garden, …

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Patriotic festivities for July Fourth in South Florida include fireworks, parades and old-fashioned family fun. Many 4th of July events in Broward, Miami-Dade and greater Palm Beach are free. Many events feature live music and free concerts. Most July 4 fireworks displays in 2025 are July 4 but a few other events are on other …

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Indoors and outdoors, there are plenty of free and inexpensive things to do in July in Broward. Grab a favorite beverage and pick your favorites.  Free & Inexpensive events in July in Broward  Drone Light Show  Drone lights show, food trucks and a bounce house with an Independence Day theme are featured at free in …

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While lots of parks in South Florida are relatively flat, Vista View Park in Davie is distinctive for its relatively tall terrain, with parts about 65 feet above sea level. Entry to Vista View  is free on weekdays. On weekends and holidays, the fee is $3 per vehicle for up to 8 people or $20 …

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Butterfly World is a popular walk-through attraction in North Broward with free-flight aviaries with tropical foliage and thousands of butterflies and birds from different parts of the world. Discount opportunities are offered. Regular prices are $32.50 for guests age 12 and older, $22.50 for children age 3-11 and free for age 2 and younger. However, …

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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 …

Read More about Exhibits & turtle feedings at environmental education venue in Hollywood & entry is free

Thrive Art District in Fort Lauderdale is hosting an Art Walk with art exhibits, food trucks and vendors. Entertainment is featured at the event.  Art Walks in 2025 include  6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28  Thrive Art District is at 710 N.W. Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33311.  Entry is free. Free parking is …

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Eligible apparel, household items and other goods are typically half-price on Wednesdays at participating Salvation Army Family Stores in Broward. The deal is valid for lots of items at the thrift stores including shoes, purses and other goods, except furniture. Participating stores offer other discounts, such as a discount 0f 50% on yellow  items, except …

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Organizations in South Florida offer free food distribution for families needing help. Some sites provide drive-through pickups, while others offer doorstep deliveries for eligible participants. Food distributions are in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Often the organizations accept volunteers and donations. This list is periodically revised to reflect new distribution sites. It’s wise to phone …

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Family Farms in Davie offers produce for purchase, including occasional U-pick items, flower fields and activities. The farm with farm animals on display is open 10 a.m. –  6 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays; and 10 a.m. – 10  p.m. Saturdays, usually with free entry. Fees apply for some activities and events. Family Farms, 954-804-2850, …

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 Flippers theater in Hollywood features $5 ticket deals.  Flippers movie theater and arcade offers $5 movies Wednesdays.  The deal does not apply to new releases, special showings or  3D movies.  The $5 offer does not apply to holidays. Flippers theater and arcade is at 7001 Taft St., Hollywood 33024. Sign up for the South Florida …

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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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