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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.

Fort Lauderdale is throwing a Great American Beach Party to kick off Memorial Day Weekend. The fun and free event in 2026 is 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the beach and Las Olas Oceanside Park.  Throw on your favorite pair of shades and pack up your towels & sunscreen. Family-friendly fun …

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For a fresh approach to navigating sights and shopping in Fort Lauderdale, step aboard a free water trolley. The LauderGO Water Trolley ferries guests along a river route to an assortment of  points along the New River, all for free. The Water Trolley service is separate from Water Taxi vessels. Fees apply for Water Taxi. …

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The Fort Lauderdale Air Show features exciting aerial entertainment over the ocean. The event in 2026 featuring U.S. Air Force jets flying in formation, parachute jumping and other high-flying performances  is 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, at Fort Lauderdale beach. Entry to designated paid locations is offered for a …

Read More about Air Show in Fort Lauderdale offers discounts for premium watch venues

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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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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If you appreciate frugal excursions, plenty of entertaining events, attractions and interesting activities in Broward are ideal for a delightful date. Some are free, others are relatively inexpensive. Make the most of it. With extra dollars in your wallet, splurge on sparkling wine, a fancy dessert, or other romantic indulgence. We also have a list …

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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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For folks who adore hanging out with their furry friends, some festivals and events in Broward are designed for people and pets.  Often the events include wonderful pets available for adoption.  Pet events in 2026 include  Doggy Fest  Fashionable dogs, vendors, and pooches for adoption are featured at Doggy Fest at Tarpon River Brewing in …

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Pembroke Pines is throwing a rockin’ party and the public is welcome to participate in the festivities.  Pines Day event in 2026 is  5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 26, and entry is free.  Festivities include: roller rink with DJ auto show  5:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. local talented youth performers  activities  photo ops  …

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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 …

Read More about Water Taxi offers Intracoastal excursions in Broward and discount opportunities

Performances, activities and free books are are featured at a Broward Library BookFest for youngsters and their families. The family BookFest event in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Saturday, May 30, and entry is free. Books are distributed while supplies last.  It’s at West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation 33324. Parking …

Read More about Entertainers, dancing & free books at Youth BookFest at library in Plantation & it’s free

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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