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

Emily Johnson speaks at a podium during an Ocala City Council meeting as attendees listen from the audience.
Community
4 months ago
Ocala approves major expansion of Heathbrook development; hundreds of homes now protected under special district

City Council votes 5-0 to expand Ridge at Heathbrook CDD, unlocking nearly 30 more acres for growth and shifting infrastructure control to a special-purpose district.

Rev. Leroy Johnson dressed in a suit and tie, standing indoors.
Features
4 months ago
Part 1: How Rev. Leroy Johnson defied racism to build a legacy in Ocala

From Harlem hustle to hometown hero, this trailblazing pastor and businessman overcame hate and hardship to uplift Ocala’s Black community—his story begins here.

Exterior of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital on a sunny day
Local
5 months ago
Marion County approves hospital assessment that helps locals get free care without raising taxes

Commissioners vote 5-0 to renew hospital-only fee that brings millions in Medicaid support for uninsured and low-income Marion County residents.

Community members seated in a meeting room during a Marion County Planning and Zoning Board public hearing.
Community
5 months ago
Major sports complex could reshape Ocala — but at what cost?

Golden Ocala’s proposed indoor/outdoor venue promises youth programs, tourism, and economic growth while locals raise red flags about traffic, water, and rural character.

Grass to the left, two men walking on a gray concrete pathway, the one on the left dressed in combat fatigues, the man on the right in a green shirt, both wearing backpacks, with vehicles and tents to their right, and with people in the background, walking under a canopy of trees.
Community
5 months ago
Evening PTSD walk raises $30K in Ocala to launch local mental health initiative | PHOTOS

Despite rain delays, hundreds gathered at Veterans Memorial Park to support PTSD awareness, with funds fueling a new free program for veterans, first responders, and civilians.

Sign outside Ocala Police Department on a sunny day, promoting ocalaPD.gov.
Community
5 months ago
Ocala Police Department adds first full-time chaplain with help from $99K grant

City Council approves Lutheran Services-funded position focused on officer mental health, emotional support, and crisis response.

Group of community leaders standing beneath the "AdventHealth Mainstage" sign at the Reilly Arts Center during a dedication event.
Community
5 months ago
AdventHealth donates $1 million to Reilly Arts Center, unveiling new community mainstage

The 10-year investment celebrates a growing partnership with the Ocala Symphony and supports expanded access to music, education, and the performing arts.

Partially built wood-frame house under construction on a clear day in Marion County, with lumber and building materials in the foreground.
Local
5 months ago
Marion County aims to protect rural land with smarter growth plan

County leaders look to improve development rules through the Transfer of Development Rights program, balancing farmland preservation with future growth.

White goat wearing a collar, standing in tall green grass.
Community
5 months ago
Goats win zoning battle in Marion County backyard dispute

Commissioners approve emotional support goats in residential area after heartfelt plea, sparking debate over animals, zoning, and neighborhood expectations.

A street sign attached to a concrete pole, with several other attachments, with blue skies, with white puffy clouds to the right, and a smaller pole with an orange sign to the left.
Local
5 months ago
Another southeast Marion development moves forward amid resident concerns

Land use amendment approved for 442-home project despite traffic, safety, and buffer questions.

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