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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.

In South Florida, free live music and free concerts are plentiful. Often, you’ll enjoy the sounds of local, regional & award-winning national performers in scenic settings, such as parks, along rivers, and at oceanfront venues. Shopping plazas, restaurants and bars also feature live music. For snacks, some events feature food trucks. Others permit DIY picnics. …

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For free entertainment, Gulfstream Park Village in Hallandale Beach  offers  live performances. Gulfstream Park, an open-air shopping, entertainment and dining plaza, is at 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, 954-454-7000 Free entertainment is usually 6 p.m. –  9 p.m. or 10 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays Entertainment includes Sept. 24: Flovox Duo Sept. 25: Valerie Tyson Duo …

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Soak in the local art scene, watch an artist paint with his foot and shop wares from pop-up vendors at a popular ArtWalk event in South Broward. Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk festivities are third Saturdays 6 p.m. to about 11 p.m. on Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street Entry is free. The events usually include walking tour …

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For quick errands, sightseeing or scooting around for fun, a network of self-serve bike pick-up and drop-off stations are offered eastern Broward. Bike-share bikes are intended for relatively brief point-to-point excursions. Regular bikes & electric bikes are offered. Fees $5 for  30 minutes  $35 &  $88 for memberships, with free 30-minute rides & extra fees …

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Drive-ins offer an opportunity for an entertaining evening out. Watch a movie inside your own vehicle. Turn on the radio for sound. Some venues sell snacks or food trucks are on site. Others recommend packing your own refreshments. Some parks & other venues offer films outdoors on inflatable screens.  Often, entry is free. Occasionally, prior …

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Resources are available for assisting residents and entrepreneurs with employment, social services, paying rent, free food & other expenses. Many resources are free.  Eligibility requirements vary. Rent Assistance Eligible renters receive assistance paying for housing & utilities Eligibility includes  renting a unit, apartment or house in Broward qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction …

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For a price break on a fun activity in Broward, roller skating is $8 on Wednesdays in  Davie. The price includes skate rentals. The $8 deal is offered 6 p.m. to  8:30 p.m. most Wednesdays at Galaxy Skateway. Recommendation: Phone first to ensure the venue is open and deal is offered Galaxy Skateway is at …

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For reducing energy use in your South Florida residence,  FPL offers free online resources. Using less electricity helps homeowners reduce utilities fees. FPL Tips Switch to energy-efficient LED lightbulbs Turn off your overhead fan when you leave a room for potential savings of up to $85 per year per fan Ensure a tight seal is …

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Delightful outdoor spaces are plentiful in South Florida.  For walking, biking & rollerblading, lots of folks love Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Noteworthy features include Hollywood Beach Bandshell offering free live entertainment. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk Photo/Hollywood Florida CRA The promenade runs along the Atlantic Ocean with the rolling surf and swaying palms on one side and shops, …

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On weekends, Tri-Rail offers $5 all-day fares for its train routes in South Florida. Tri-Rail runs from Miami to West Palm Beach, stopping at stations, including Delray Beach Boca Raton Deerfield Beach Pompano Beach Cypress Creek Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale Airport Sheridan Street Hollywood Opa-locka Golden Glades others On weekdays, regular one-way fares are $2.50 …

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