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

Front view of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners building in Ocala, Florida
Community
7 days ago
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners to Adopt Budget and Millage Rate Tonight at Public Hearing

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners will be holding a public hearing Sept. 22. 2025, to adopt the final millage rate and the final budget for fiscal year 2025-2026.

In the background a black curtain, painted gray wall at the base, A well-dressed woman standing behind a podium talking into a microphone.
Education
1 week ago
Marion County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer Enlightens the Community at Town Hall Meeting

Marion County Public School Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer held the first of her Town Hall meetings Sept. 18, at Lake Weir Middle School.

A grand, illuminated building with classical architecture, featuring white columns and multiple windows, set against a clear blue evening sky, with a luxury car parked in front and well-maintained greenery.
Local
2 weeks ago
Autumn Events Make Ocala’s World Equestrian Center a Preferred Destination and Community Hub

The World Equestrian Center continues its evolution with a new autumn show hunter series, the announcement of tenants at the Shoppes at 80th, the soon to be open Equestrian Manor and their Ocala Wine and Food Festival make WEC a preferred destination for both locals and travelers.

A well-dressed woman standing behind a podium with a microphone, with a background of black curtains, with a banner behind her to the left.
Community
2 weeks ago
Give4Marion Raises more than $2.35 Million in Donations for Local Nonprofits

Give4Marion raised more than $2.35 million for local nonprofits during a 33-hour span.

Background features black curtain, a well-dressed woman stands behind a podium with a microphone, with a placard on front the of the podium with a logo and lettering. Behind the woman are banners, directly behind her and to her right.
Community
2 weeks ago
Ocala’s Reilly Arts Center’s Impact is Far Reaching, Performing Arts Continue to Thrive at Iconic Venue

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is synonymous with the Reilly Arts Center, and both play a role in making Ocala a cultural destination.

A vast tree line in the background, massive building in the center, with a parking lot on the left, and a corner area with a pum facility in the foreground, with additional parking spaces.
Community
2 weeks ago
Full-Building Tenant Secured for Trailhead Logistics Park in Ocala, for 943,426 Square Foot Warehouse

A massive warehouse at the Trailhead Logistics Park in Ocala has been leased to a third-party logistics provider.

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano expressed how proud he is of the girls at Pace.
Local
2 weeks ago
Familiar Faces in Familiar Places as Marciano and Musleh are Reelected to Ocala Mayoral and Council Seats

City of Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, and council members Jay Musleh, Barry Mansfield and Jim Hilty Sr. are reelected.

A man in an orange and white jump suit, standing against a gray wall.
Crime & Safety
2 weeks ago
Jury Selection Starting for Ocala Man Accused of Killing His Husband

Jury Selection starting for Ocala man accused of killing his husband in March 2023.

A sign with fancy filigreed, and lettering, with a digital sign in the middle, sitting on top of a stone support, with a hedge buffer to the front, side and back, with a road to the left and a field and tree line in the back, cars, and light poles to the right.
Local
2 weeks ago
Federal Grants Will Improve Infrastructure at Ocala International Airport

The Ocala International-Jim Taylor Field Airport will be able to make some much needed infrastructure improvements through the use of grants from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Deep set windows, first and second floor, with white trim, with a facade over columns, with lettering, with stairs in the foreground.
Local
2 weeks ago
Ocala City Council to Hold Final Public Hearing to Adopt Resolutions for Tentative Budget and Millage Rates for Forthcoming Fiscal Year

The Ocala City Council will be holding its final public hearing to adopt resolutions for the tentative budget and millage rates for fiscal year 2025-2026 at their meeting Sep. 16, 2025, at Ocala City Hall.