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.

Tons of free entertainment and activities are offered in South Florida, and readers enthusiastically provided some of their favorites. It’s interesting to see what other South Floridians enjoy. It offers valuable ideas for residents and tourists who appreciate wallet-friendly fun. These favorites were provided by readers when they entered a previous drawing for a free …

Read More about Readers’ Favorite Free Things To Do in South Florida

If you enjoy nature walks, Secret Woods in Dania Beach is a delightful natural area that’s easily accessible for South Florida residents.  Entry and parking are free.   Parks naturalist Julie Morris offered insider information.  Please describe some of the outstanding features of your park. A: “Our butterfly habitat on Pollinator Pathway attracts a wide …

Read More about Secret Woods in Dania offers nature walks

Broward Library is doing away with fines for overdue books and other items on loan to patrons. Fines won’t add up if items are returned after the due date. If an old book is sitting in drawer in your home, feel free to return it. Pending fines on patrons’ accounts are waived. Foregoing fines is …

Read More about Broward Library waives fines for overdue books

If you’re a fan of fanciful flowers and other fabulous foliage, plant shows, orchid festivals and plant sales are offered in South Florida. Delight in displays, and shop from vendors offering native plants, exotics, and other products for enhancing your yards and indoor spaces.  Often, plant fairs include such extra activities as educational workshops, art …

Read More about Native, exotic plant shopping in South Florida

For a delightful excursion on the South Florida surf, rent a paddleboard. Rentals are now offered on Hollywood beach.  Self-serve PADL kiosks are offered at New Hampshire Street in North Beach area and Keating Park, 2500 S. Ocean Drive in South Beach area. Others kiosks are being added.  Other rental venues are in Miami-Dade and …

Read More about Paddleboard rentals offered in Hollywood

Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield offers tents and tepees for rent for overnight camping. The tents are set up when you arrive for your overnight at the park. The tents are on platforms. The sites, which are on a peninsula overlooking lakes, include water, electricity and Wi-Fi access. Other amenities include picnic table fire ring …

Read More about Tent or Tepee Camping at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield

Free entry days & discounts offer a wonderful & frugal opportunity to play tourist in your own town. Many Museums in Broward offer free-entry days or discounts for groups, senior citizens, military and members of other museums. Some venues are always free. Broward museum deals & free-entry days are perfect for a rainy day, a …

Read More about Free entry days and museum deals in Broward

Florida’s Hollywood offers lots of fun events. Free live music. Free family-friendly films. Festivals. Unique attractions are also part of the town’s appeal. For example, Hollywood Broadwalk is a lovely oceanside pedestrian promenade.   Live entertainment at Hollywood Beach Bandshell Free live entertainment is usually featured 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesdays – Sundays at …

Read More about Hollywood offers live entertainment, family-friendly films & other free events

Farms in South Florida and other parts of the Sunshine State offer vegetables and other produce directly to the public. You just have to know where to go.  Farms are available throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Of course, details can always change at the last minute, so we always recommend you check ahead …

Read More about South Florida farms offer fresh produce

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.

Living on the Cheap in the Media