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Ben Baugh

Ben Baugh was 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.

Front view of the Reilly Arts Center, featuring a gray and purple art deco facade with arched doorways and palm trees.
Community
3 weeks ago
Ocala City Council Gets Annual Update from Reilly Arts Center and Marion Theatre

An update on the Reilly Arts Center and the Marion Theatre annul activity report was provided at the Ocala City Council on April 21, 2026.

Front view of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners building in Ocala, Florida
Business
3 weeks ago
Marion County Commission Approves Census Tract Selections for Opportunity Zone Program

A presentation by county staff of the selection for census tracts recommendations for the Opportunity Zones Program, which offers capital gains breaks for reinvestment in community areas, was made before the Marion County Board of County Commissioners on April 21, 2026.

A blue sign with white lettering, and a government entity insignia against the blue background. In the foreground and background, a lawn, and to the right trees and a building.
Community
3 weeks ago
Moving Forward as Office of County Engineer Presents Marion County Roadway Updates

The Office of the County Engineer provided an update on a number of road projects in Marion County.

A beige background, with blue to the left and right, with flag on either side of the center beige background. A multi-colored insignia with writing an images in the center, in front of the beige background, with a gray wall underneath the insignia at the bottom of the background.
Community
3 weeks ago
Marion County Commission Meeting Inspires Lively Discussion About the 484 Interchange at I-75

Two projects that have drawn the attention and ire of concerned citizens the interchange at 484 and I-75 and the Marion Oaks Manor Flyover were discussed at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 21, 2026.

Marion County Public Schools sign displaying logo and motto, "Helping Every Student Succeed," against a clear blue sky.
Education
3 weeks ago
Marion County Public Schools Discusses Third Floor Construction at South Marion High School

The Marion County Public School Board unanimously agreed to move forward with constructing the third floor a the new South Marion High School that would increase the school’s capacity by 700 student stations.

A tent with people standing behind a table, people in front signing papers, a placard with wording in front, tree line in the background.
Features
4 weeks ago
Celebrity Golf Tournament to Raise Funds to Help Children Across Marion County

Marion County-based nonprofit McKenzie’s Moment held its Eighth Annual Celebrity Golf Invitational at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. McKenzie’s Moment has continued to make a powerful impact within the community raising nearly $4 million for nonprofits that place an emphasis on the health, well-being and safety of women and children in North Central Florida.

In the foreground people sitting in an auditorium. In the background, people standing behind a raised dais. Overhead a digital display with number, and the centered in age is a horse, with a man holding it to the right, standing on a raised platform before the audience.
Features
4 weeks ago
Williston Man Co-Bred Record-Setting Sales Horse

A Williston man who is no stranger to success as a thoroughbred owner and breeder, bred the record setting 2-year-old colt that sold April 17, 2026, for $10.5 million.

A large, brick building features an overhang over the entrance with red letters on the front reading, "City Hall." Stairs lead up into two double-door entrances to the building.
Community
4 weeks ago
Off-Site Parking Approved for Church by City of Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission

The City of Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved recommending a request for a church to have off-site parking at a public hearing on April 13, 2026.

Local
4 weeks ago
Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission Approves Recommendation Request for Vision 2050 Plan

The City of Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission approved the Ocala Vision 2050 draft, as the municipality had developed strategies to adapt to the forthcoming changes and growth of the area.

Marion County Public Schools sign displaying logo and motto, "Helping Every Student Succeed," against a clear blue sky.
Community
4 weeks ago
Family Liaison Layoffs Discussed at Marion County Public School Board Meeting

There were 35 non-instructional employees laid off by the Marion County Public School District. Several people came to speak before the school board on the issue at the April 14, 2026, meeting.