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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

Front view of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners building in Ocala, Florida
Community
2 weeks ago
Marion County Commission Approves Canterwood Acres Community Development District

A Community Development District for a two-part development was approved unanimously by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

Glass door to the left, bring wall with a numbers on a placard above large placard with letters and numbers.
Community
2 weeks ago
Marion County Commission Receives Heagy-Burry Boat Ramp Project Update

A boat ramp project on Orange Lake has been a source of confusion. An update was provided at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners on March 17, 2026.

In the background, a room festooned, with garland, ornaments, adults and children. to the left tables with centerpieces and plates, in the middle of the photo a man wearing a hat sits in front of cake with candles, and to his right more adults and children.
Local
2 weeks ago
Ocala World War II Veteran Celebrates Centenarian Milestone

Norman Kenneth Schutt was honored by fellow service members and community leaders at his 100th birthday on March 16, 2026.

A jumping effort with flags to the left on the, a team of four horses with a driver holding in carriage seat, with navigators on the back, with live oak's with Spanish moss and tents in the background.
Equine
2 weeks ago
Ocala’s Chester Weber Wins 23rd National Equestrian Title at Live Oak International

Ocala’s Chester Weber once again showcased why he’s one of the world’s elite athletes, by winning his 23rd national four-in-hand championship this past weekend at the Live Oak International.

To the left a pot of flowers next to a standard, with a gray horse and rider in a light blue blazer jumping a vertical, with tents and live oak trees with Spanish moss hanging from them in the background.
Equine
2 weeks ago
Williston’s Aaron Vale and Gray’s Inn Win the $200,000 Live Oak International Grand Prix

Williston-based Aaron Vale and Gray’s Inn won the CSI4* Live Oak International Grand Prix.

Tall buildings, cranes, palms, turf and tapeta courses in the background, with horses racing over a dirt racetrack in front of a sizable finish line marker.
Equine
2 weeks ago
Decoupling Bill that Could Devastate Marion Thoroughbred Industries Stalls in Senate

A bill that had passed in the Florida State House of Representatives that would allow Florida thoroughbred tracks to cease racing while keeping their other gambling facilities in operation failed to get a hearing in the senate before the Florida Legislature’s regular session came to a close.

On the left a man dressed in a U.S. Army uniform wearing a beret and to his left a man dressed in a U.S. Navy uniform with trees in the background.
Community
2 weeks ago
U.S. Navy Veteran Kennedy Among those to Be Inducted into Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame

U.S. Navy Veteran Donald S. Kennedy is one of the 12 members of the Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame inaugural class. A 20-year U.S. Navy veteran, he continues his service as the Captain of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard.

A bunch of young people in the background on a grass field, with trees and a large gazebo, in the foreground more people.
Local
2 weeks ago
Marion County JROTC Programs Enjoy Field Day at Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park

Marion County JROTC programs participated in Operation Appreciation at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

In the foreground people sitting in chairs, while moving toward the background, there are tables with multiple people sitting in front of them, and behind them there is a dais with people sitting behind that and a huge monitor, behind the people. Toward the right there's another table toward the wall, and in front of that a man is in front of a podium with a microphone.
Local
3 weeks ago
Questions Remain as Dunnellon City Council Holds Public Hearing on Railroad Tie Fire

Dunnellon City Council held a public hearing with much of the discussion centering around what should be done concerning the Feb. 1, 2026, railroad tie fire, and if it was possible to join Marion County’s injunction.

A woman on the left wearing a ball cap, white blouse and blue skirt standing next to a man wearing a white ball cap, blue shirt and tan pants, standing on grass, in front of a marathon course combined driving hazard with a placard with an insignia and writing attached to the hazard, with live oak trees and Spanish moss hanging in the background.
Sports
3 weeks ago
Ocala’s Live Oak International Celebrates 35 Years of International Equestrian Sport Success

Ocala’s Live Oak International has evolved from its nascent stages into an internationally renowned equestrian sports event, attracting many of the most prominent names in combined driving and show jumping to the area.