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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.

Theater students are presenting an iconic  play in Pembroke Pines and performances are open to the public for free. Plays in 2026 include  “The Importance of Being Ernest”  7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, March 19 – March 29 2 p.m. March 21 and March 28 The play is described as featuring sharp humor “about …

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For a delightful outdoor family excursion, a kite festival in South Florida is ideal. Especially when it’s free. It’s dubbed “World’s Greatest Kite Festival.”  The event in 2026 is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Miramar Regional Park.  The kite festival includes entertainment, food trucks, kite demonstrations, kite giveaways, and kite building. …

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Old Davie School is offering a Valentine event entitled Love Letter Day. The event includes an opportunity to write a love letter using an old-fashioned dip pen and ink . Old Davie School Love Letter Day in 2026 is 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday February 14, with discounted entry fees of $5. Old Davie School, …

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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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Walk into a library and walk out with a digital tablet. Or a robot. Or a Frisbee. Participating libraries in South Florida loan items like electronic devices, robotic devices and bird watching gear. Use your library account number. Obtaining a library account is free for eligible residents.  Broward libraries loan  Digital tablets for ages 18 …

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Rather than pick a restaurant, dine on selections from a variety of establishments in Oakland Park. Taste of Oakland Park  in 2026 is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 17, 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 …

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Festivals, live entertainment and hands-on activities are among the variety of events offered in Pompano Beach.  Lots of events are free. They’re ideal for dates, families and solo excursions. Events in Pompano Beach include 2026 events Spring Palooza 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21, is Spring Palooza with a petting zoo, rides, entertainment, …

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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 permitted at some events. Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted. Events at Plantation Walk …

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Enhance a walk in the park with a story along the way. Waters Edge Park in Tamarac features a story trail. Story trails, also referred to as story walks, are outdoor exhibits featuring pages from a storybook displayed along a path. It’s a free activity for families with kids — and a great way to …

Read More about Waters Edge Park in Tamarac includes a book walk, fitness & water playground & entry is free

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, …

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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. Discount opportunities are offered.  Water Taxi routes in Fort Lauderdale Some use the yellow vessels to travel from place …

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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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