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

Close-up of a red lawn mower cutting green grass in a residential yard.
Local
2 months ago
Think twice before blowing grass into the street — it could harm more than your curb appeal

Seemingly harmless yard chores like mowing, fertilizing, or car washing can lead to illicit discharges, harming Marion County’s stormwater system and local waterways, officials warn.

Streetlights shining in a residential neighborhood at dusk.
Community
2 months ago
Marion County approves MSBU rate hike for streetlighting in Kingsland Country

Homeowners in Whispering Pines and Forest Glen will see annual fee rise to $66 to keep neighborhood streetlights on through 2035 amid rising energy costs.

Exterior of The Ritz Historic Inn in Ocala with red awnings and teal lettering
Community
2 months ago
Helping heroes: Veterans to receive free clothing and essentials in Ocala

AT&T Veterans Network, Dinontas, and Volunteers of America of Florida to serve more than 250 local veterans with donated backpacks and support services on July 25.

The front entrance of Ocala’s City Hall in the background with “CITY HALL” displayed on an arch above the double door entrances on the left and right. There are short red brick walls in front of the entrance with stairs leading up to the doors on either side. In the foreground are trees on either side of the City Hall arch and a beige and blue horse statue facing left.
Local
2 months ago
Eight candidates enter Ocala’s special election after second qualifying window

Mayor Ben Marciano and Councilman Jay Musleh among those on Sept. 16 ballot; two candidates await petition verification.

MCPS sign with motivational message on grassy roadside in Ocala under partly cloudy skies.
Education
2 months ago
MCPS unveils nearly $5M mental health plan to better support students in 2025-26

From more counselors to parent resources, Marion County schools focus on mental wellness to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom.

Marion County Emergency Operations Center building with sign in front
Local
2 months ago
How Marion County prepares for disaster: Inside the emergency response playbook

From hurricane drills to real-time coordination, Marion County’s Emergency Management team ensures seamless response through planning, partnerships, and public outreach.

State Attorney Bill Gladson delivers a presentation onstage at the Ocala Metro CEP breakfast event.
Local
2 months ago
State Attorney Bill Gladson spotlights justice system challenges and victories at Ocala CEP breakfast

With limited resources and rising demands, Gladson outlines how the Fifth Judicial Circuit prosecutes thousands of cases while prioritizing victims, public safety, and community partnerships

Booking photo of Karla Loenie Gonzalez-Penaluerty wearing an orange and white jail uniform.
Crime & Safety
3 months ago
Ocala daycare worker arrested on 8 child cruelty charges after infant abuse allegations

Police say All Stars Learning Academy employee Karla Gonzalez-Penaluerty mistreated multiple babies as young as 4 months old; DCF and OPD continue investigation.

In the background there are traffic signs, traffic signals, telephone poles, cars, a sidewalk surrounded by green space to the extreme left, and paved road to the right.
Community
3 months ago
Traffic light installed at the intersection of SE 58th Ave. and SE 85th Lane

A new traffic signal has been installed at the SE 58th Ave, and SE 85th Lane.

A group pf well-dressed people sitting behind a raised dais platform, with flags to either side of an insignia with letter, numbers and an image, and a city of Ocala logo against a white background.
Local
3 months ago
Ocala city council votes unanimously to hold special election Sept. 16

The Ocala City Council unanimously approved to hold a special election Sept. 16, after all seven candidates for the four seats to be contested failed to comply with the requirements of Florida law.

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