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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 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 …

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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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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. November 1 “Transformers”  Outdoor films in 2026 include 7:30 p.m. January 24 “Superman”  8 p.m. March 6 “Smurfs”  Weather occasionally postpones plans for outdoor activities, so it’s wise to …

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For a price break on a fun activity in Broward, roller skating is $12 on Wednesdays in  Davie. The price includes skate rentals. The $12 deal is offered 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Galaxy Skateway.  The regular price is usually about  $15-$20 with skate rentals. Recommendation: Phone first to ensure the venue is …

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If you want to travel by train, Tri-Rail offers $5 fares  in South Florida weekends and holidays.  The $5 fares on weekends and holidays are for the day on all routes.  Tri-Rail runs from Miami to West Palm Beach, with about 19 stations along the way.  Regular prices  are about $2.50 – $8.75, depending on …

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Topeekeegee-Yugnee Park in Hollywood – or TY Park, as it’s known – is popular for a variety of outdoor activities. South Floridians love it because it’s a great venue for walking, running or skating on a shady path around a lake lined with oaks. It’s also a venue for festivals and entertainment. TY Park is  …

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Plantatation is offering a free shuttle for lifts within a designated area that includes plenty of plazas with restaurants and shops. Download the app to request the Freebee shuttle. The electric vehicles travel in the Midtown district.  The area is within University Drive and Pine Island Road and includes The Fountains plaza, Plantation Walk others.  …

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Food trucks, entertainment and games are included at free Food Truck events in Tamarac.  Food truck events in 2025 are 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. second and fourth Fridays at Tamarac Village Amphitheater, 9090 NW 57th St., Tamarac. Entry and parking are free.  Sign up for South Florida on the Cheap newsletter. Follow us on …

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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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 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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Grab a bag to hold your treats. A Halloween Boo Bash at Galleria in Fort Lauderdale includes trick or treating.  Halloween Boo Bash is 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. October 30 at Galleria Fort Lauderdale, around the Swarovski store.  Galleria mall is at 2414 E. Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale 33304.  Parking is free.  The event …

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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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