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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.

Got time? If you’ve got some spare time and you’re looking for a way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of others, volunteering is a great option. There are many different volunteer opportunities available, so you’re sure to find one that’s a good fit for you. And the …

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If you haven’t been to Manatee Lagoon in a while, here’s the perfect time to visit. This information has been updated for 2025. Exhibits include three life-sized manatee statues, a seagrass exhibit and a Florida mangroves exhibit. Entry to Manatee Lagoon is free. Parking is also free.  Recurring events Manatee Tales: Adventures with Mia & …

Read More about Entry to Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach is always free

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach was founded more than 40 years ago, but the challenges it faces today have not only been compounded by the effects of recent climate change but also by the increase of red tide and toxic blue-green algae on sea creatures and ocean ecology. Situated on one of the …

Read More about Free admission at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

Mizner Park Amphitheater, in the center of downtown Boca Raton, has become a hub for free concerts, festivals and other entertainment. Be sure to take your own seating for these FREE family-friendly events. Summer in the City concert series, presented by The City of Boca Raton Free and open to the public for the summer …

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Here are some free events that not only provide opportunities for you to get to know your neighbors, but also time to get acquainted with local businesses. Plus, these seasonal events are a chance to relax and have some good, old-fashioned block party fun. Rock The Plaza; Rock The Marina; and Rock the Block for the …

Read More about Free: Rock the Plaza in Boynton Beach with music, games & vendors

The Delray Beach Old School Square Amphitheatre will once again offer free concerts on the 4th Friday of the month through August, 2025. Gates will open at 5 p.m.; opening acts will be featured from 6 to 7:15; and headliners perform from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.  For more details, visit delrayoldschoolsquare.com. Sunset Concert schedule: Friday, …

Read More about Free Sunset Concert tribute, Friday, June 27, Delray Beach

You may have seen ads and announcements on social media about Candlelight Concerts throughout South Florida. These special events not only provide a multi-sensory musical experience, but also include a depth of repertoire and breadth of genres, from classical and jazz to show tunes and pop music. What is Candlelight? According to the Secret Media …

Read More about Candlelight Concerts through December in South Florida

Each week, Art After Dark presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more. Each Friday, shake off the sand and head down to the lawn at The Norton as part of the museum’s Art After Dark series every Friday. Reduced-rate tickets for these programs are $5-$10; …

Read More about Fridays: Art After Dark, $10 at The Norton, West Palm

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a 108-foot historical landmark on a riverfront site with historical displays and natural features. Occasional discounts and free entry opportunities are offered. The attraction includes: Opportunity to walk on a spiral staircase with 105 steps to top of the red structure for a panoramic vantage point of South Florida’s waterways and …

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There’s always something happening in Boca, so we’ve compiled a list of some popular free and cheap events to bring to your attention. Many are recurring, so we’ve provided links to calendars you can also search to get more details and the best updated information. We’ve also included a list of some of the main …

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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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