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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.

You just get home from work and the kids are hungry and you’re tired. If it’s Tuesday and you’re near West Boca, you’re in luck. Here’s a weekly seasonal event for the whole family. Tasty Tuesday When: Tuesdays, weather permitting, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Circle, Boca Raton. Features: …

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On the third weekend of each month, Manatee Lagoon hosts Sensory Saturdays for family members who prefer an inclusive experience with softer lighting, less noise, and still a lot of fun from 8 to 9 a.m. Admission and parking are free; advance registration required. Fun fact: Did you know the manatee’s closest living mammal is …

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The party continues, as the city celebrates year 100 with sight and song. This multimedia Big Band extravaganza takes the audience on a journey back to the town’s founding. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 Free concert at Mizner Park Amphitheater CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION An encore presentation of the show that …

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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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Oh, the times, they are a changing … and there’s more jingle in the pocketbook! The cord has been cut, the savings are stacking up and it hasn’t been all that painful, thanks to free FAST channels (scroll down for explanation). For many years, my basic and extended cable subscription was included in my condo’s …

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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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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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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. Daggerwing features a 3,000-square-foot exhibit hall with …

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Summer’s not over yet. There’s still 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 …

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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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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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