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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.

Watch a rescued turtle dine on greens. With a focus on protecting oceans and their wildlife inhabitants, Marine Environmental Education in Hollywood is open to the public with exhibits and a saltwater pool where you can watch a rescued sea turtle swim and eat. The female sea turtle on site is not releasable due to …

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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 …

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For the winter holidays, South Florida lights up with oodles of dazzling parades. Holiday boat parades and street parades are a delightful seasonal tradition with family and friends. Some events feature toy drives, if you’d like to drop off  an unwrapped present. Parades are among the many free and cheap holiday events in South Florida. …

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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.  Regular prices  are about $2.50 – $8.75, depending on the route.  For information, phone 800-874-7245   …

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Popular and festive, the Winterfest Boat Parade features elaborately decorated boats floating in formation on The New River & Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale. The event in 2025 is 5:30 p.m. to about 8 p.m. Saturday, December 13,  featuring a prime outdoor watch area in Fort Lauderdale with live entertainment, food vendors and a jolly vibe. …

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If you’re eager to be out and about, Broward offers lots of events in September that are free or relatively inexpensive. Food trucks. Live music. Fall festivities.  Great for date nights, family activities and solo excursions. September events in 2025 in Broward Broward Attractions and Museums Month  Several Broward attractions offer 2-for-1 deals in September, …

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If you’d like entertainment and activities  with your shopping and dining excursions, Dania Pointe plaza in Dania Beach offers free events for kids and adults. Dania Pointe is a popular plaza with trendy shops, restaurants, Bowlero, Dania Improv and Regal theaters. Some of the venues offer Happy Hour deals. Free events & activities at Dania …

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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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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 Gardens prices & discounts Regular entry fees are $24 ages 12 and older, $17 for ages 3-11 20% discount, which is $19.20  for seniors age 65 and older, veterans, …

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If you’re looking to soak  in the outdoors in South Florida, Fern Forest in north Broward is a lush oasis for nature walks and occasional free astronomy programs with telescopes. Delight in the scenic setting on your own or register for a guided hike. Most events are free or relatively inexpensive. Entry into the natural …

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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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