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

A black background, with a screen overhead, a man in a suit and cowboy hat gesticulating with his hands, in front of a podium with placards, that have writing and insignias, with the podium having a microphone.
Community
3 weeks ago
Marion County Commission Chair Carl Zalak Delivers the State of The County Address

Marion County is poised for the future and Marion County Commission Chair Carl Zalak, III, delivered the State of the County Address, bringing clarity and a new perspective to the MetroCEP’s ExCEPtional Mornings on Jan. 21.

A man and a woman standing on pavement in front of an iron gate with shamrock emblems on the front of the gate, with grass and trees in the background.
Sports
3 weeks ago
Ocala Farm with a History of Thoroughbred Success Will Continue Under New Owners

D&B Scanlon Holdings, LLC’s purchase of a 244.5-acre farm in Ocala will keep the property as a thoroughbred operation.

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Community
3 weeks ago
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Operations Complex to be Named after Former Sheriff

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to rename the Marion County Sheriff’s Operations Complex.

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Community
4 weeks ago
Ocala’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day March Celebrates the Leader’s Life and Legacy

The cold temperatures did nothing to deter the thousands that turned out Monday morning for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. march, a more than one mile sojourn from the downtown square in Ocala to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex.

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 Consider Concurrency Development Agreement

The Ocala City Council will consider a concurrency development agreement between the City of Ocala and a developer regarding nearly 199 acres.

Community
4 weeks ago
Fighting the Good Fight as Marion County Horse Industry Vets Counter Racing Decoupling

Marion County horsemen have organized to fight a bill that would decouple live thoroughbred racing at racetracks from their gaming licenses.

Marion County Public Schools sign displaying logo and motto, "Helping Every Student Succeed," against a clear blue sky.
Education
4 weeks ago
Marion County School Board Approves New Job Description for Drivers

The Marion County Public School Board approved the job description that should help improve the transportation challenges the school district is facing.

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Crime & Safety
4 weeks ago
Two Gainesville Police Officers Injured, Shooting Suspect Killed, Victim with Fatal Wound Found Nearby

A shooting suspect has been killed, and two Gainesville Police Department officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the incident on Jan. 14.

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Crime & Safety
4 weeks ago
Ocala Marion County Transportation & Planning Recommends Adoption of State’s Target Zero for Cycling and Pedestrian Fatalities

The Ocala/Marion County TPO at their Technical Advisory Committee meeting Jan. 13, voted to recommend adopting the state target of zero for fatalities and serious injuries in 2026.

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Community
1 month ago
Is Swimming Coming Back to Silver Springs? A Marion County Commissioner Says It’s Time

It’s up to the State of Florida to make the return of swimming to Silver Springs a reality.