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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.

The public is invited to help celebrate the gathering of gentle sea cows that call Florida home at the 10th annual party by the Lake Worth Lagoon. Grab the family and spend the day Mia and friends. Live entertainment, art displays, with activities and lots of fun for kids – plus manatees – are all …

Read More about Free: ManateeFest in West Palm Beach, Feb. 7

If you’re a fan of watching champion equines compete in jumping and dressage events, then this is the time to visit Wellington and see live events for free! For the 2026 season at Wellington International’s Winter Equestrian Festival, spectators get free general admission Wednesday through Sunday during the main winter season (January-March) during daytime events. …

Read More about Free daytime entry through March at Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington

Here’s a deal: Buy advance discount tickets to the South Florida Fair opening day Jan. 16, 2026, and use the same ticket again on another day. The South Florida Fair is a prime attraction packed with family fun and entertainment, with rides, food vendors, exhibits, parades, performers, competitions and so much more. What: South Florida …

Read More about Discount tickets to South Florida Fair before it opens Jan. 16

This new film from Sony Pictures Classic is directed by Nicholas Hytner and stars Ralph Fiennes. It is rated-R and it takes place in 1916, as war rages on the Western Front. THE CHORAL When: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Where: AMC Aventura 24, 19501 Biscayne Blvd. Tickets are free and seating is on …

Read More about Free screening of Sony Classics ‘THE CHORAL’ at AMC Aventura, Jan. 14

BocaFest will be back to Town Center at Boca Raton and for 2026, it promises to be bigger and better, with everything from paint on canvas, to photography, 3D media, sculpture, jewelry, and other unique artisan crafts. Entry is free. 38th annual Boca Fest at Town Center When: Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 17-18, 2026, from …

Read More about Free entry to Boca Fest at Town Center, Jan. 17-18

Here’s an advance screening of the new horror film from Sony Pictures Entertainment – “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” Complimentary passes are available for this adrenaline-fueled film on a first-come, first-served basis. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (rated-R) When: Monday, Jan. 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Where: AMC Aventura, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura …

Read More about Free movie screening of ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,’ Aventura, Jan. 12

To honor the memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., here is a list of some of the activities planned to commemorate and celebrate his life with events taking place across Palm Beach County. While most activities are free to attend, many require RSVP. Riviera Beach Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, parade at 10 …

Read More about Martin Luther King Day events in Palm Beach County, Jan. 17 & 19

The City of Boca Raton will celbrate MLK Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, with day-long festivities, including a march with jazz bands, a ceremony and public Unity Celebration at Mizner Park. The day starts with a community breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 200 Ruby St. Unity March at …

Read More about Free MLK ceremony & celebration in Boca Raton, Jan. 19

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. Every Friday there’s something new to do and see, plus a showcase of up-and-coming and established performers. In essence, this after-hours weekly discounted event …

Read More about $10 Art After Dark features something new every Friday, West Palm Beach

Take advantage of this ongoing series of free concerts under the stars, with food trucks and vendors, plus pop-up family events in 2026. The amphitheater at Wellington Town Center has a capacity of 1,500 people. Plan to take portable seats or blankets to enjoy festivities under the stars. Free Food Truck & Music Series: Jan. 8, …

Read More about Free weekend concerts, Lakeside Market & more, Wellington

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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