×

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@352today.com

People sitting at tables, in a school cafeteria, with overhead lights, pictures and mosaics on the wall, with the audience fixated on the speaker, just off to the far right.
Education
3 weeks ago
Marion County Schools Hears Community Input on Northend Elementary Rezoning

A Marion County Public School community meeting was held March 9, 2026, at Sparr Elementary to gather input from the community regarding rezoning.

MCPS sign with motivational message on grassy roadside in Ocala under partly cloudy skies.
Education
3 weeks ago
Marion County Public School Board Work Session Focuses on Discussions, Details and Decisions

Last Thursday’s Marion County Public School Board work session addressed some of the questions regarding elementary schools on the county’s Northend, but more input is needed.

Marion County Public Schools sign displaying logo and motto, "Helping Every Student Succeed," against a clear blue sky.
Education
3 weeks ago
The Marion County Public School Board Receives an Athletic Update During their Work Session

Marion County Public Schools Athletic Director Donnie Tucker gave an update on athletic projects at the March 6, 2026, MCPS workshop session.

An American flag on the left, rifles to the left of the primary image of the head and upper of a soldier in combat gear, with planes to his right, and insignia in the lower right-hand corner.
Community
3 weeks ago
Dinner to Commemorate Inaugural Inductee Class for Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame Set for March 19

The Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame has become a reality, and will induct its first 12 members on March 19, 2026, at a dinner and ceremony at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion.

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
4 weeks ago
Marion County Commission Hears Funding Options for Parks and Recreation Department

The Trust for Public Land made a presentation in relation to funding options for the Marion County Parks and Recreation Department at a Marion County Board of County Commissioners workshop session on March 3, 2026.

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
4 weeks ago
Marion County Commission Approves Abrogation for Abandoned Tract of Land

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved an abrogation for a tract of land in the Carriage Hill subdivision.

A fiberglass horse, stabilized over grass, with trees, two men talking and a building in the background.
Local
4 weeks ago
The City of Ocala’s Vulnerability Assessment Identifies At-Risk Areas for Flooding

The City of Ocala engineer and director of engineering and water resources made a vulnerability assessment presentation before the Ocala City Council identifying vulnerable infrastructure at risk of flooding and outlining a plan to mitigate those risks.

A building, with white trim, columns, a facade with lettering and steps leading toward the glass front doors.
Local
4 weeks ago
Ocala City Council Passes Rezoning of Two Parcels to Light Industrial

Two parcels that had previously been zoned planned development, will now be light industrial with the Ocala City Council unanimously voting to approve the ordinance amendment at their March 3, 2026, meeting.

In the foreground is a light pole with autumn-colored leave and a sideways sign reading, "Ocala. Find your place." In the background are trees, buildings and multiple poles with similar leaves and signs reading rules. There are also tables with umbrellas and walking paths for public use.
Local
4 weeks ago
Ocala City Council to Hold Public Hearing on Ordinance to Rezone Parcels

The Ocala City Council is holding a public hearing at their March 3, 2026, meeting in relation to an ordinance that would rezone parcels from vacant and single family residential to light industrial.

Glass door to the left, bring wall with a numbers on a placard above large placard with letters and numbers.
Community
4 weeks ago
Marion County Commission Workshop Will Focus on Parks and Recreation

A Marion County Board of County Commissioners workshop will be held March 3 discussing options for funding for the Parks and Recreation department with a presentation being made by the Trust for Public Land.