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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.

Put on your dancing shoes. Swing Out, South Florida offers dance lessons and dance socials in Fort Lauderdale. The events, usually every other Wednesday, include a lesson at 7:450 p.m. and a dance event at 8:30 p.m. with a DJ playing Swing and Jazz. Entry fee is $10 for adults and $6 for students. The …

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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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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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If you’re in Broward, you will find plenty of interesting and entertaining things to do in January, many of them free or inexpensive. Some of them are so enticing you may want to drive in from Miami-Dade or Palm Beach county. Las Olas Art Fair The trendy and ritzy shopping Las Olas shopping district is …

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Set your sights for an adventure in the South Florida wilderness. Perhaps you’ll navigate a shady path through a lush forest. Or perch yourself on a riverbank where herons are wading in the water. Tune in to the visual displays, scents and sounds of the outdoor environment. Some parks, botanical gardens and protected natural areas …

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If you’d like homework help for your kids, local libraries in South Florida offer it online for free. At some libraries, in-person tutoring is available. Also, SAT prep is often is available at these libraries. To receive tutoring, you register with your personal library number to set up an online account. Obtaining a library account …

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Gallons of recycled exterior latex paint in a selection of hues are offered free to eligible Broward residents in towns participating in the program Residents can request free outdoor paint if they reside in one of the municipalities that participate in the  program.  If you’re interested in scoring free paint, phone  the public works department …

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For a fun evening out that’s friendly for your wallet, direct yourself to downtown Pompano Beach, where you’ll delight in entertainment, food trucks, and art displays indoors and outdoors as part of Old Town Untapped events. The events are usually 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the first Fridays of the month, except for summer. Entry …

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For a free family excursion, Sunrise Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a free drive-in film in West Broward.  The PG-rated animated film in 2026 is “The Wild Robot” produced by DreamWorks Animation 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 9, and entry is free. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and food vendors are at the event if …

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The Las Olas Art Fair is a popular outdoor event that features about 200 artists from different regions with displays set up along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Las Olas Boulevard is a ritzy and trendy shopping and dining district with fashion boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Las Olas Art Fairs in 2025 include: Saturday …

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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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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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