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

Marion County Growth Services building exterior with department names listed on facade.
Local
1 month ago
Marion County to Consider Special Use Permit for Ocklawaha Business for Alcohol Sales

The Marion County Planning and Zoning board will consider a special use permit request by a business that would allow them to sell and have on-site consumption, within 1,000 feet of three houses of worship.

On the extreme left the U.S. flag, a man dressed in uniform saluting, in background a monitor hanging on the wall, a man in uniform behind a podium, that's behind a table with two wooden urns, two flags in front of a framed picture, a placard with writing in front of two flags, two other men in uniform saluting, another man in uniform against the wall, two more framed pictures on the right, a woman in chair, and empty chairs to her right.
Community
1 month ago
Marion Memorial Honor Guard Provides Military Honors for Homeless Vets at Service

A funeral service was held for two homeless veterans by the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard at the Veterans Helping Veterans on Nov. 20, 2025.

Business
1 month ago
Entrepreneurial Mindset Expert Shares Insights at Ocala Metro CEP’s ExCEPtional Mornings

Best-selling author Gary Schoeniger was the featured speaker at the Ocala Metro CEP’s Exceptional Mornings on Nov. 19, 2025, sharing his insights into the entrepreneurial mindset.

In the background, a placard with writing, a clock, a fake plant, a man sitting in a chair, and to the extreme right an American flag. The focal point a man in a gray polo, speaking and gesticulating.
Community
1 month ago
“A Call to Action” PTSD Summit Gathers Marion County Organizations for Supporting Veterans

A Call to Action, a PTSD Summit, bringing together veterans’ groups under one umbrella was held Nov. 18 at the Elliott Center.

A fiberglass horse, stabilized over grass, with trees, two men talking and a building in the background.
Local
1 month ago
Ocala City Council Denies Alcohol Permit for Location on Silver Springs Boulevard

The Ocala City Council denied an alcoholic beverage location permit that would have allowed a liquor store in West Ocala.

Glass door to the left, bring wall with a numbers on a placard above large placard with letters and numbers.
Community
1 month ago
Marion County Commission Approves Special Use Permit for Home Depot

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a special use permit allowing for outdoor storage and sales for the Home Depot in the On Top of the World Development of Regional Impact.

Florida Highway Patrol cruiser with red and blue lights on
Crime & Safety
1 month ago
Ocala Man Dies as a Result of Injuries Sustained in Vehicle Accident

An Ocala man, who was a passenger in a vehicle, died as the result of injuries sustained in a crash, after being ejected from the vehicle.

Front view of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners building in Ocala, Florida
Community
1 month ago
Marion County Engineering Updates County Commission on Roadway Projects

Marion County Engineering provided the Marion County Commission with a roadway project update.

White background, blue lettering, outline of the State of Florida, and in the foreground and orange image to symbolize a road.
Community
1 month ago
Florida Department of Transportation Uses Data and Strategy to Keep Traffic Moving in the 352

The Florida Department of Transportation’s TSMO strategies play a huge role in the traffic flow in Marion County.

Bright orange "Road Work Ahead" sign with flags on roadside near a tree-lined street.
Community
1 month ago
Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Discusses Future FDOT Priority Projects

Ocala and Marion County are doing their best to keep up with the exponential growth, and infrastructure and roads are a big part of the equation. The FDOT discussed some of the area’s priority projects at the recent Ocala Marion County TPO meeting.