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 large brown skinned animal with its brow and eyes above the water, with murky water in the background and bluish water in the foreground.
Community
5 months ago
Beloved hippo Lu, star of Homosassa Springs and TV fame, dies at 65

Lucifer the hippopotamus, known for his roles on Daktari! and decades at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, was a global favorite and Citrus County icon.

Crime & Safety
5 months ago
Former CEP speaker Angela Suggs arrested for fraud, theft tied to Florida Sports Foundation

Suggs, now FAMU’s athletic director, is accused of misusing over $24K in public funds for personal expenses—including casino trips—while leading the Florida Sports Foundation.

A yellow and brown circular flower on a green stem, with a sea of green in the forefront and background.
Health & Wellness
5 months ago
Florida farmers face rising mental health challenges amid storms, financial strain

New report reveals emotional distress, lack of access to care, and growing concern for next generation in Florida’s agricultural communities.

A rectangular sign with letters and numbers on a green background, on top of a octagonal sign with a red background, with a green tree to the right and blue and white background.
Community
5 months ago
Marion County’s SW 80th Ave. expansion: Easing congestion with multi-phase road widening project

Discover how the SW 80th Ave widening in Ocala, FL, funded by the Penny Sales Tax, will improve traffic flow and connectivity for communities like On Top of the World and Calesa, starting with Phase 1 in early 2026.

First responders in uniform walk beneath a raised American flag during a PTSD Awareness event at a park in Ocala.
Community
5 months ago
PTSD walk raises awareness with local dollars helping local veterans and first responders

Join the 2.2-mile walk on June 27 at Veterans Memorial Park to honor local heroes, raise PTSD awareness, and support Marion County veterans and first responders.

A large bird sits on the edge of the water to the left, with a sunset and palms in the background, with grass to the right.
Features
5 months ago
Murals of Ocala: How public art is telling the city’s story one wall at a time

Murals play a great role in helping to educate the community about the area’s history, inspire community pride and serve as an economic driver.

Three men standing in front of a flag and a circle with an insignia, with the man in the middle holding a box,
Local
5 months ago
Ocala honors longtime city planner as final presentation marks emotional farewell

Tye Chighizola receives key to the city and closes career with resolution on long-lingering Head Start deed issue.

A man in a blue jacket wearing a white shirt, standing behind a podium, with a circular emblem affixed to the front, talking into a microphone, with people behind him in the audience.
Local
5 months ago
Ocala backs Madison Oaks East senior housing project with unanimous support

City Council selects longtime applicant for key tax credit support, prioritizing affordable housing for residents 55 and older.

Two women on a wooden floor stage, standing in front of a screen with writing on it, the woman to the right has her arm around the woman to her left's shoulder, with a floral bouquet in the forefront.
Community
5 months ago
Mother of AJ Owens shares emotional journey at Ocala peace event

Pamela Dias joins War Cry 4 Peace program to honor victims, offer strength to families affected by gun violence.

A man in a uniform stands gesticulating with his hands behind a table. with two people to his left and one to his right, with a pitcher and glasses on a table in the forefront.
Community
5 months ago
Salvation Army shelter needs urgent funding to stay open through summer

Ocala Mission faces $60,000 monthly shortfall as leaders work with partners, grant writers, and the community to keep doors open.

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