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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.

This year, not only will there be a morning public beach cleanup, but also a catwalk fashion show from Resource Depot, plus interactive Earth Day activities in the afteroon. Earth Day festivities When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 Where: Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 US-1, Juno Beach, Features: 8:30 a.m. beach cleanup; 11 a.m.: Resource Depot Student Catwalk …

Read More about Earth Day Fashion Show and more at Marinelife Center in Juno, April 25

The public is invited to learn about plants and the environment at this Wellington event. There will be Earth friendly products and demonstrations, giveaways, vendors and more, so mark your calendar. Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration When: Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd. …

Read More about Earth Day & Arbor Day celebrations in Wellington, April 25

Communing with nature has never been more fun and the Daggerwing Nature Center has so many opportunities for kids and their families to take advantage of the great outdoors. Admission is free; access to trails and boardwalk are free; most programs have fees usually from $5 to $10. Weekly: ANIMAL FEEDINGS & TALKS Wednesdays, Thursdays …

Read More about Earth Day with the animals at Daggerwing Nature Center, April 25

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter invites the public to participate in this special Earth Month event that will feature a day of creativity and community. Enjoy live music, shop unique, handcrafted goods, and locally grown products. Homegrown & Handmade Fest When: Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, 17855 Rocky …

Read More about Homegrown & Handmade Fest at Busch Wildlife in Jupiter, April 26

Ready, set, shuck! That’s the call for everyone in South Florida who loves sweet corn to show up at the annual Sweet Corn Fiesta: When: Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Yesteryear Village at South Florida Fairgrounds Tickets: $5 for kids, $10 for adults; ride tickets $10-$15 Featured: Live music …

Read More about ‘Ah, shucks!’ Sweet Corn Fiesta, West Palm Beach, April 26

Here’s a chance to catch this new whodunnit comedy from Amazon MGM Studios before everyone else. A limited number of free screening passes are available for South Florida on the Cheap readers. Seating, even with a pass, is first-come, first-served.  The Sheep Detectives South Miami When: Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. Where: AMC …

Read More about Free screening of ‘The Sheep Detectives,’ in South Miami, May 2

The Cornell Art Museum in Delray Beach has no admission fee, however donations are appreciated. The Museum is housed in the restored 1913 Delray Elementary School building on the Old School Square campus.  While entry to the Museum is free, there may be fees for special events to help defray costs paid to performers or …

Read More about Entry to Cornell Art Museum in Delray Beach is always free

Happy Earth Month! What started out as one day each year designated to honoring and appreciating Mother Earth, has evolved into more tree giveaways, seed plantings, nature exhibitions and water cleanups that are more than just a one day or one-time event. Below are some of the popular tributes to Mother Nature we found. April …

Read More about Earth Month celebrations in Palm Beach County

The Boynton Beach Gold Coast Band will perform a special program to celebrate the nation’s 250 years. Happy Birthday, America! When: Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 3 p.m. Where: Coral Lakes Theater, 12751 El Clair Ranch Road, Boynton Beach Tickets are $10 at the door; children under 12 get in free. Website for more information …

Read More about $10 concert, Boynton Beach Gold Coast Band, April 26

Attention instrumentalists, vocalists, and jazz lovers of all ages, here’s your chance to join Neil Bacher and Friends as they bring the rhythms of jazz to life at the Library! Whether you’re a seasoned musician or simply love great live music, all are welcome to be part of this vibrant community event. Jazz Jam Sessions When: …

Read More about International Jazz Day Concert at Lake Worth Library, April 30

The Northwood Art & Music Warehouse is a creative cooperative that supports local artists and musicians and is also a cool place to hang out and enjoy the vibe. Prices vary per performer. R. Popescu Jazz Trio When: Friday, May 8, 2026, from 8 to 11 p.m. Where: Northwood Art & Music Warehouse, 933 28th …

Read More about $5-$10 shows at Northwood Art & Music Warehouse, West Palm Beach, May 8, 9

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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