Ben Baugh

Ben Baugh is a journalist who has worked across a variety of platforms during his career. A graduate of Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio, he has covered a variety of topics, including politics, public safety, education, religion, entertainment, equestrian sport and sports. Baugh has worked in Ohio, New York, South Carolina and Florida. A resident of Belleview, he can often be found at an equestrian sport venue on his days off. You can reach Ben Baugh at benbaugh@325today.com

Native flora, boats and structures in the background, a boat on a river and water and native flora in the foreground.
Community
2 months ago
Marion County Board of County Commissioners approves legislative priority list unanimously

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the legislative priority list for the 2026 legislative session.

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Community
2 months ago
Marion County Commission unanimously passes community services plan for coming fiscal year

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the community services annual action plan at the final public hearing for the plan on Aug. 5, 2025.

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Local
2 months ago
Crash with injuries on I-75 in Sumter County closes southbound lanes.

Vehicle crash on I-75 near mile marker 332 slows traffic, shuts down southbound lanes.

In the foreground a man wearing glasses and blue scrubs, wearing an identification badge. the background has a black wall with red and white lettering, and below that the wall is white, with a long hallway to the right with photos on it.
Community
2 months ago
HCA Florida Ocala hospital chosen to launch institute’s first research program in north Florida

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital will launch HCA Healthcare Research Institute’s first research program in north Florida.

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Local
2 months ago
County to hold public hearing for proposed roadway project that will improve existing infrastructure

The final public hearing for a proposed roadway improvement project is being held Aug. 6, 2025, at 1 p.m., at the McPherson Governmental Campus.

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Community
2 months ago
Final public hearing for 2025-26 annual action plan scheduled before MCBOCC

A final public hearing to gather feedback on the final draft of the community services and Marion County Consortium’s annual action plan for the upcoming fiscal year is scheduled for Aug. 5, 2025, before the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

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Community
2 months ago
Open house showcases Sumter County’s safety action plan

Sumter County is hosting an open house unveiling the safety action plan on Aug. 14 from 6 p,m. to 7 p.m. at the Wildwood Community Center.

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Local
2 months ago
Sumter county study for project includes roadway widening and turn lane additions at busy intersection

A Sumter County study addresses future projects to widen and add turns lanes on CR 466 and U.S. Hwy. 301.

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Local
2 months ago
Lt. Col. Frank M. Rasbury, Jr. embodied leadership, virtue and service

A memorial service was held for U.S. Army Lt. Col. Frank M. Rasbury Jr. at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Ocala. He was remembered for his leadership and service.

Scarlett Phillips sits in a vehicle wearing a green dress and pearl necklace, smiling at the camera.
Features
2 months ago
Ocala teen inspired to pursue law and sign language after life-changing encounter

Florida Cyber Charter Academy student Scarlett Phillips plans to advocate for the deaf community through a legal career sparked by a meaningful moment of connection.

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