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@352today.com

American Olympic speed skater Brittany Bowe from Ocala
Sports
1 week ago
Ocala’s Brittany Bowe Looks to Add to Enduring Legacy with Final Bow at 2026 Winter Olympics

Brittany Bowe will be competing in her fourth Winter Olympics in Milan- Cortina d’Ampezzo. The speed skater has won two Olympic Bronze medals, appearing on the podium in 2018 and 2022.

history-making american olympic speed skater erin jackson
Sports
1 week ago
Ocala’s Erin Jackson, First Black Woman to Win an Individual Gold Medal at the Winter Olympic Games, Returns to the World Stage

Ocala’s Erin Jackson became the first Black woman ever to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics, will attempt to bring home the gold again at the 2026 games.

A yellow backhoe, a white pickup truck with orange and white traffic control barricades in front of it to the right. Behind the vehicle to the left, a pile of dirt, behind the vehicle in the background, a trackhoe, trees in the background to the extreme left and right, a traffic control sign with writing to the right. in the foreground paved road.
Community
2 weeks ago
Marion County Office of the County Engineer Prioritizes Infrastructure with Patience and Progress

Working toward objectives with a patient and steady approach, the Marion County Office of the County Engineer keeps traffic flowing.

Marion County Public Schools sign displaying logo and motto, "Helping Every Student Succeed," against a clear blue sky.
Education
2 weeks ago
MCPS School Board Unanimously Approves Funding for Weapons Detection Systems for High Schools

The Marion County Public School Board approved the purchase of a weapons detection system that should make schools safer.

MCPS sign with motivational message on grassy roadside in Ocala under partly cloudy skies.
Education
2 weeks ago
Marion County School Board Approves Pricing for East Marion Elementary Project

The Marion County Public School Board approved the guaranteed maximum price for a project that will change the interior of East Marion Elementary School.

Marion County Public Schools sign displaying logo and motto, "Helping Every Student Succeed," against a clear blue sky.
Education
2 weeks ago
Reddick and Marion Public Schools Reach Agreement on School Basketball Court Use

An interlocal agreement between the MCPS board and the Town of Reddick will allow students to have a safe and accessible place to play, with use of the basketball courts at Reddick-Collier Elementary School.

Shrubbery on the left, a fiberglass horse in the foreground on a concrete platform, trim and columns in the background, and in the far background, brick, windows and doors.
Local
2 weeks ago
Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organization to Launch New Website Friday

The Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organization will be launching their new website on Jan. 30, 2026.

A woman standing behind a podium with an insignia, with a microphone in front of her face, with a dark wall and curtain in the background.
Community
2 weeks ago
Horse Farms Forever Director Shares the Importance of Safeguarding Marion’s Equine Traditions

Horse Farms Forever’s Executive Director Sara Fennessy shared her insights about the importance of protecting Marion County’s horse farms and rural character at Belleview on the Rise.

Front view of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners building in Ocala, Florida
Community
2 weeks ago
Marion County Commission Workshop Emphasizes Strategic Planning for Fiscal Year

A workshop saw staff and the Marion County Board of County Commissioners begin discussing the strategic planning for the budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.

a crew works on installing fiber optic cable
Local
3 weeks ago
Ocala City Council Provided with Update on the Ocala Fiber Network

Uptown Services’ update on the Ocala Fiber Network demonstrated that the broadband provided by the city is competitive and an exceptional choice.