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

Marion County fire engine parked in grass near wooded area
Community
4 months ago
Marion County commission approves impact fees ordinance for MCFR and EMS

County leaders approve funding plan to ensure fire and EMS keep pace with new development while protecting residents and first responders.

Inset image of U.S. Marine Francisco “Panchie” Diaz in uniform overlaid on a photo of a folded American flag being held during a military funeral ceremony.
Community
4 months ago
Fallen Marine’s legacy lives on through Ocala niece’s mission to serve

Francisco “Panchie” Diaz was killed in Vietnam the day after his 20th birthday — now, his niece honors his memory as Marion County’s veterans’ services director.

USMC veteran Sgt. Bob Levenson standing beside an American flag at Ocala’s 2024 Memorial Day ceremony.
Community
4 months ago
Honor, remember, and teach: Ocala’s Memorial Day ceremony offers a powerful family experience

From stirring flyovers to heartfelt tributes, “A Legacy of Sacrifice” at Veterans Memorial Park connects all generations to the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Person sketching building plans at a desk with blueprints, hard hat, laptop, and construction tools in daylight.
Local
4 months ago
Zoning delay raises concerns over tree loss, traffic, density, and vanishing commercial space

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners asked the developer for a continuance on a request for a zoning amendment.

Kathy Bryant stands at a podium with an Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership sign, speaking into a microphone during the State of the County event.
Community
4 months ago
State of the County: Growth, roads, and resources shape Marion’s future

From new jobs and road relief to pet laws and natural preservation, here’s what Chair Kathy Bryant says matters most to Marion County families in 2025.

Two elderly veterans salute during a Memorial Day event in Ocala, surrounded by fellow attendees.
Community
4 months ago
Stand down, lift up: Ocala event offers vital support for struggling veterans

Free dental care, showers, counseling, and more will be available June 7 during a community-wide effort to honor and assist local veterans in need.

A man in a business suit stands at a podium with a microphone in front of a panel of sitting behind a platform, with a room full of people behind the man is an auditorium full of people.
Community
4 months ago
Ocala ends decade-long prayer vigil lawsuit with unanimous vote

City Council settles controversial First Amendment case tied to 2014 OPD-led prayer event as former mayor urges continued legal fight.

A man in a Hawaiian shirt stands at a dais with a microphone before a platform of people, with a room full of people behind him in an auditorium.
Local
4 months ago
Ocala residents divided over ICE agreement at heated city council meeting

Supporters call it a safety tool; critics fear it erodes trust and brings national politics into local policing.

A professionally dressed woman with short hair standing in front of a wall and door.
Community
4 months ago
From Navy chief to local leader: How Daisy Diaz is helping Marion County’s veterans thrive

Daisy Diaz has been named the new Marion County veteran services director, succeeding Jeffrey Askew.

A woman in a white blouse, with the Flag of the United States of America, stands next to two men dressed in scout uniforms, who are standing next two women in dresses at the military service display flag plaza at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.
Community
4 months ago
Scout’s honor: Local teen transforms veterans memorial with lasting tribute

Forest High senior Nicholas Eggers earns Eagle Scout rank by redesigning the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park’s Military Service Flag Plaza, honoring all eight branches of service.

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