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

A woman in a white and orange jump suit standing against a gray wall.
Crime & Safety
5 days ago
UPDATE: Hit-and-Run Driver Kills Pedestrian in Ocala

A 76-year-old man was killed Sept. 23, at the intersection of SR 200 and SW 60th St. The driver fled the scene of the incident.

Community
5 days ago
Update: Overpass Near Mile Marker 370 on I-75 Damaged Causing Road Closure

A dump truck with its bed raised hit an overpass off of CR 320 in Micanopy causing significant damage and a road closure.

Crime & Safety
5 days ago
Three-Vehicle Collision Involving a School Bus Leads to One Person Being Trauma Alerted

A three-vehicle accident on SR 40 Sept. 23, saw one person seriously injured.

A man in a blue shirt standing behind a podium with a carved wooden insignia on the front speaking into a microphone with a blue curtain in background.
Local
6 days ago
Wise Shares His Wisdom on Life, Leadership and Success at Belleview on the Rise

Gary Wise of Wise Leadership Solutions was the featured speaker at the Belleview Chamber’s Belleview on the Rise Breakfast at Belleview High School on Sept. 22, 2025.

A gentleman in his green law enforcement uniform, with an American flag to his left, and letter and numbers at the bottom of the image.
Crime & Safety
6 days ago
Respected Marion County Sheriff’s Office Master Sergeant Passes Away

Respected Marion County Sheriff’s Office Master Sgt. Richard Kelly passed away Sept. 22, 2025.

Glass door to the left, bring wall with a numbers on a placard above large placard with letters and numbers.
Community
6 days ago
Marion County Commissioners Adopt Budget and Millage Rate at Public Hearing for Forthcoming Fiscal Year

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed the budget and lowered the millage rate for the fiscal year 2025-2026.

Marion County firefighters manage hoses and equipment beside a fire truck outside a laundromat.
Crime & Safety
6 days ago
Marion County Fire and Rescue to Expand Services for the Forthcoming Fiscal Year as a Result of Approved Budget

As a result of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners adopting a resolution to approve the countywide budget for the forthcoming fiscal year, Marion County Fire and Rescue will be enhancing their services.

A red and white fire truck with "Marion County Fire Rescue" and "24" written on the side and a peach-colored fire station with an open garage door.
Crime & Safety
7 days ago
Marion County Fire and Rescue Quickly Extinguish RV Fire in the Forest

Marion County Fire and Rescue quickly puts out RV fire in Scrambletown.

Ocala Fire Rescue Truck 3 parked outside tan commercial building during firefighter training
Crime & Safety
7 days ago
Ocala Fire and Rescue’s Rapid Response Extinguishes Fire in an Apartment Unit

Ocala Fire and Rescue responded to a fire at the Grove Apartments in Ocala, acted rapidly and were able to extinguish the flames.

Marion County Public Schools sign with slogan "Helping Every Student Succeed" against a blue sky.
Education
7 days ago
Marion County Public School Board to Consider an Amendment to an Agreement for Program that Increases Number of Highly Qualified Teachers

The Marion County Public School Board will consider a proposed amendment to an agreement regarding the secondary education Master of Education online pathway for professionals’ agreement between Marion County Public Schools and the College of Central Florida to cover additional tuition costs for the Adding Distinctive Value and Notable College Experience, A.D.V.A.N.C.E. scholarship participants.