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

An empty chair in the foreground on the left, a well-dressed woman in the middle of photo and behind her a man in an orange jump suit. They are sitting in front of a long table with microphones in front of them to the right, with wooden wall panels in the background.
Crime & Safety
1 week ago
Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Two Counts of Vehicular Homicide Including an Infant

A 34-year-old man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for two counts of vehicular homicide that led to the death of a 35-year-old woman and her six-month old infant.

A board with a scale model on a table with someone to the left, and two people to the right in the foreground, with a man looking ponderously at the model, with doors, plants and windows in the background.
Community
1 week ago
City of Ocala’s Engineering Department Meeting Places Emphasis on Road Safety

The City of Ocala’s Engineering Department held its second community road and safety planning meeting at IHMC on Nov. 5, 2025, focusing on locations of where there are high severity crashes, speed management and traffic calming policies.

Closeup of Ocala Downtown Gazebo with white support beams and fencing surrounding it and leading down to the square. White triangles surround the top of the gazebo with a blue-gray dome sitting atop it and a City of Ocala circular logo placed center in the front facing triangle.
Business
1 week ago
Ocala City Council Approves Modernized Airport Leasing, Property, Development Policy

The Ocala City Council unanimously approved the airport leasing and property and development policy and the revised airport development standards and airport properties website at their meeting Nov. 4, 2025.

In foreground, a paved parking lot, green grass, with sidewalks in front of a building, with windows, columns and door, with the background of a brick-colored wall, a facade featuring letter, numbers and insignia.
Community
1 week ago
Marion Commission Considers Changes to Agricultural Zoning for Solar, Aircraft

The first of two public hearings regarding development standards for solar energy facilities in agriculturally zoned areas and a proposed change for accessory use aircraft hangars in approved flying communities were discussed at the Marion County Commission meeting Nov. 4, 2025.

Glass door to the left, bring wall with a numbers on a placard above large placard with letters and numbers.
Community
1 week ago
Marion County Considers Code Amendment Regarding Signage for Big Box Retailers

The initial public hearing for amending, reviewing and updating the Marion County Land Development Code was heard by the board of county commissioners at their Nov. 4, 2025 meeting.

A sign with fancy filigreed, and lettering, with a digital sign in the middle, sitting on top of a stone support, with a hedge buffer to the front, side and back, with a road to the left and a field and tree line in the back, cars, and light poles to the right.
Community
1 week ago
Ocala City Council to Vote on Grant for Ocala International Airport

The Ocala City Council will consider a resolution to accept a FDOT grant to match a Federal Aviation Administration grant for a rehabilitation project in the amount of $112,206.

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Community
1 week ago
Historic Hotel Marion Redevelopment on Tap for Tuesday Ocala City Council Meeting

The redevelopment agreement between the City of Ocala and the developer of the historic Hotel Marion will be discussed under general business at the Nov. 4, 2025, Ocala City Council meeting.

A shoreline leads to a sandy and rocky area with a pier leading out into the water. Lifted blue building with gray roofs and white railings line the shore.
Community
2 weeks ago
A Year After Hurricanes, Cedar Key Retains Unbreakable Spirit

Cedar Key is open business and welcomes your presence. Storms and untoward events hardly dampened the spirits of the island’s residents. Adversity has only made the community stronger.

Marion County Public Schools sign displaying logo and motto, "Helping Every Student Succeed," against a clear blue sky.
Education
2 weeks ago
Construction to Begin Soon on Lake Weir Middle School Replacement

The Marion County Public School Board unanimously approved the construction management contract for the new Lake Weir Middle School replacement at their meeting Oct. 28, 2025.

The facade of a building, with a off beige trim hanging over the entrance, off beige concrete siding, an insignia handing over the entrance with lettering an image, glass doors in the center background, glass window to the right of a concrete column.
Community
2 weeks ago
Marion Planning and Zoning Approves Recommending Zoning Change for Planned Development

A zoning change from general agriculture and commercial business to planned unit development was recommended by unanimous vote.