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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.

If you’re thinking about going out for dinner, perhaps you’ll venture to a park. Food truck fare is featured at Volunteer Park in Plantation. Food trucks are at the park 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, and the events usually include live entertainment or a DJ, activities and games for youngsters and local artisan vendors …

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Old Town in Pompano Beach is the venue for free Backyard Jam events featuring local and regional bands. The events are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. select third Fridays and entry is free. Entertainment  includes: February 20. Acoustic Fingers March 20. Revibe April 17. Spider Cherry    May 15. Joey Calderaio June 9 The venue is …

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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. Eligibility requirements vary among different organizations. Some are open to everyone.  Food distributions are in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Often the organizations accept volunteers and donations. This list is …

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  Deerfield Island is a natural area on the Intracoastal Waterway in north Broward that’s accessible by boat. Free water shuttle excursions to Deerfield Island Natural Area are weather permitting, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  The free boat shuttle service usually runs from a dock at Sullivan Park, 1701 Riverview Road, Deerfield Beach, at 10 a.m., …

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For folks who sign up for the free Family rewards program at Ikea, participating restaurants in the home goods stores offer deals. Some deals require the Family rewards ID, others do not.  Ikea restaurant deals include falafel entree is $4.99 while promotion is offered  Kids eat free Wednesdays March 30  and in April with purchase …

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See works of art indoors and outdoors and shop wares from artisan vendors during the popular Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk. The free event typically takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the third Saturday of the month on Hollywood Boulevard and on Harrison Street. The events usually include live music by regional bands and entertainment …

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YMCA South Florida organizations offer free swim lessons for water safety. The lessons are for kids, teens and adults.  Free lessons in 2026 are March 16 to March 20, and registration is required online.  YMCA facilities in Broward offering free swim instruction include Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood.  Residency in Broward is …

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The City of Deerfield Beach is producing a free All That Jazz concert series under the stars on selected Friday nights. The events are at various parks, so bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food will be available for purchase. Here is the upcoming schedule: Friday, March 13. The Smooth Operators, 8 p.m., Pastor Willie James …

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The Deerfield Beach Historical Society is hosting an outdoor Driveway Friday Concert Series once a month at the Museum and Cultural Center. The series features local performers, usually the second Friday of the month. Admission is $10 (free for historical society members). The event is 6 to 9 p.m. Here is the upcoming schedule: Friday, …

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Some parks and recreation departments and other organizations offer water safety events that are usually free to attend.  Often, the events include entertainment and games. Please verify if you must register prior to the event.   Water Safety Events in 2026 in Broward include  Northwest Broward  10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, free entry …

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