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Mary Lou Cruz

Mary Lou worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel for 21 years. She was a special sections writer in the advertising department for 7 years and worked in the newsroom for 14 years. Before her newspaper career, she worked in the airline and travel industry and has lived in Brazil, Puerto Rico and vacationed in more than 25 countries. Motto: "Learning to live a frugal lifestyle is both an art and a science." She can be reached at marylou@miamionthecheap.com.

Summer heat means there’s plenty of time to do what Floridians love to do best – play in the water! Marco-Polo — Splish-Splash, come on in, the water’s fine. Grab your swimsuits, it’s time for some aquatic fun under sunny South Florida skies. While some pools, like those at the YMCAs, are usually open year-round, …

Read More about Places to splash and play: Parks & pools in Palm Beach

Each week, after regular hours, the Norton Museum of Art presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more, called Art After Dark. May 14, 2026: Guests are invited on a lively journey through Tahiti, Hawai‘i, New Zealand, and Samoa, experiencing the rhythms, stories, and traditions of …

Read More about $10 Friday: ‘Art After Dark’ at Norton Museum, West Palm Beach

Get ready to groove to some ’80s favorites with Patrick Lamb’s Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire. Plus, the opening act will be a special performance by student musicians trained by the School of Rock. Earth, Wind & Fire tribute concert When: Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Opening act: School of …

Read More about Free Earth, Wind & Fire tribute concert, Old School Square, May 22

When the weather is great, there are plenty of places to visit and things to experience. Here’s a list of some popular events and things to do in Palm Beach County during the month of May. MOSAIC Palm Beach Deals & discounts on admissions, May 1-31, 2026 MOSAIC discounts for attractions & entertainment, Palm Beach …

Read More about Top things to do in May in Palm Beach County

Not only are these seasonal events a chance to relax and have some good, old-fashioned block-party-style fun, but they are also a free, family-friendly event with live music, interactive activities, food and beverage offerings, plus special incentives to help support local businesses. Rock The Plaza Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m., Rock …

Read More about Free: Rock the Plaza, Boynton Beach, May 16 & June 25

Gather your friends, family, blankets and chairs and head over to Canyon Amphitheater in Boynton Beach on the third Saturday of each month (except June-August) the Legends on the Lawn concert series. Legends on the Lawn is free! Just your top outdoor music concert series in a leisurely setting among friends. Legends on the Lawn …

Read More about Free monthly concert: Legends on the Lawn, Boynton Beach, May 16

The National Kids to Parks Program is a great way to get kids and families outdoors and enjoying the benefits of nature. The program offers a variety of activities and events for kids of all ages, and it’s a great way to learn about the natural world and connect with your community.  So, lace up your …

Read More about ‘Kids to Parks Day’ in Wellington is May 16

The Spady Museum is hosting a backyard barbecue and the public is invited. A Family Affair, “a reunion-style event” When: Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, 170 NW 5th Ave., Delray Beach Cost: Free admission with RSVP; vendor prices vary. Features: Food Music & live performances …

Read More about Free with RSVP: A Delray Beach Family Affair, Spady Museum, May 16

Delray’s GreenMarket will be open for the final Saturday of the season on May 16, 2026, with farm-to-fork produce, organic meats, juices and flowers, plus live music and more. Delray GreenMarket When: May 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Old School Square, Delray Beach Cost: Free admission; vendor prices vary Features the following: …

Read More about Final seasonal Saturday: Delray GreenMarket, May 16

The Good Day Market is a free curated, outdoor community Sunday market hosted in Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. It’s a farmers market, but with so much more. They not only highlight small and local businesses, but also offer handmade goods, artisan products, boutique finds, vintage pieces, art, plants, specialty food, drinks, entertainment and activities …

Read More about Free: The Good Day Market, Boynton Beach, May 17

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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