Patti Roth

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 …

For fun, free outdoor excursions, lots of people delight in nature walks in parks.  For extra fun, direct your attention on birds. If you’re interested in bird watching or birding, libraries in Broward and greater Palm Beach loan equipment for free.  Sierra Taliaferro, a parks naturalist in Broward, offers some information on the delightful activity. “All …

Rather than pick a restaurant, dine on selections from a variety of establishments in Oakland Park. Taste of Oakland Park  in 2025 is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, February 28, and tickets are required. Tickets are $20 in advance at $25 at the gate, if any are still available. It’s an outdoor event at …

For an interesting twist on nightlife activities, register for evening nature walks at Broward parks.  Some parks occasionally offer night hikes in forests, prairies, on shorelines and other intriguing outdoor spaces. On the tour, you’ll savor distinctive nocturnal sights, scents and sounds of evenings in the wild. It’s a nice idea for a romantic date, …

The Florida Renaissance Festival in Deerfield Beach offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in a fantasy world  with performers, artisans and activities inspired by another place and time. Discount opportunities are offered for eligible attendees, and free entry opportunities for kids. The popular event in 2025 is on weekends from February 1 – March 23 …

For frugal entertainment, Weston offers occasional outdoor movies that are free for kids and adults.  Outdoor films in Weston Regional Park in 2025 include: 7:30 p.m. January 11 “Inside Out 2” 7:30 p.m. February 7 “IF” 8 p.m. March 7 “The Marvels” 8 p.m. April 5 Weather occasionally postpones plans for outdoor activities, so it’s …

Flamingo Gardens in Davie  is a popular attraction with wildlife habitats, botanical gardens and occasional extra events and activities including festivals and live entertainment.  Flamingo Fest in 2025 is 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, February 8, and Sunday, February 9, with artists painting live, Junkanoo band, art vendors, plant vendors, and flamingo dress-up events …

Free events and entertainment for kids and adults are offered at Plantation Walk, a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining plaza in Plantation. Plantation Walk is at 321 N. University Drive, Plantation. Events usually are free, with free parking. Pets are usually permitted. Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted. Events at Plantation Walk Fat Tuesday …

Water Taxi on The Intracoastal Waterway runs scenic routes in Fort Lauderdale & Pompano Beach, and an express route from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood. Information about Water Taxi and purchasing tickets is at 954-467-6677 or online.  Water Taxi routes in Fort Lauderdale Some use the yellow vessels to travel from place to place, appreciating the …

Dine out at woodsy Tree Tops Park in Davie, which is enhancing its amenities with food truck events. Work up an appetite with a walk along a shady path. Or swing and slide on the playground. Food truck events are offered occasionally, including  6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, and Wednesday, March 6, …

Jazz is the featured entertainment at a free Black History performance in Pompano Beach featuring jazz vocalist and violinist Nicole Yarling. The performance is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 27, with free reservations offered online. It’s presented by Pompano Beach and the Gold Coast Jazz Society at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Boulevard, …