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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.

Active duty military, veterans and West Palm Beach City residents enjoy free admission to The Norton Museum of Art every Saturday with ID, every week, all year round. Palm Beach County residents get in free every Saturday during the summer, May 24, 2025, through Aug. 30. Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West …

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The aim is to “Nurture What’s Wild” at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; closed on major holidays. Where: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, 17855 Rocky Pines Road, Jupiter Admission is by donation, with no minimum; whatever the person or family is able to donate. All educational programs …

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If you’re on a quest to discover a place where you can take the kids and enjoy the day for next to nothing, then the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton is definitely a place for the whole family to enjoy an authentic outdoor Florida adventure. And best of all, admission is free! Some …

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The Tropical Audubon Society organizes a free bird-friendly gardening day the third Saturday of every month. Join other volunteers to help keep the organization’s bird-friendly demonstration garden and near-native Steinberg Nature Center grounds in good shape. WHEN: Third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon through June, 8:30 to 11 a.m. in July and August. WHERE: …

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Here’s a free concert on the Great Lawn at Commons Park, hosted by the Village of Royal Palm Beach. Featured entertainment is “56 Ace” and it promises to have plenty of food trucks onsite. Food trucks and free concert at Commons Park When: Friday, May. 16, 2025; food trucks at 5, music from 7 to …

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Boynton Beach is a thriving seaside community that is welcoming and active for residents and visitors alike. It offers a variety of cultural and community activities year-round. Many are hosted at the Arts & Cultural Center, the public library, at Oceanfront Park, and at various other sites sponsored by the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency …

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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 …

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Whether you’re a walker or a biker, the City of Boca Raton has your back. Did you know there is an extensive network with 84 miles of bike lanes, shared pathways and trails for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the City of Boca Raton? Through the Bicycles/Pedestrians Program, they aim to: Engineer: Design, improve, and enhance …

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Weather update, check; pumped up tires, check; water and energy bar, check. Then, put on your bike shorts, grab your wheels and helmet and go explore and discover something new in The Palm Beaches – for free! You don’t have to be a snowbird or visitor to enjoy the Florida outdoors. If you’re not up …

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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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