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 Public Schools sign with slogan "Helping Every Student Succeed" against a blue sky.
Education
2 weeks ago
Marion County Public School Board Approves Turnaround Plan for Oakcrest Elementary

The Marion County Public School Board approved the school district managed turnaround plan step one for the Oakcrest Elementary School.

Glass door to the left, bring wall with a numbers on a placard above large placard with letters and numbers.
Community
3 weeks ago
Marion County Commission Approves Adoption of Resolutions for Services but Receives Backlash for 150% Increase in Solid Waste Rates

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved the adoption of the resolution of the tentative budget to raise solid waste rates by 150% by a slim 3-2 margin.

Marion County Public Schools sign with slogan "Helping Every Student Succeed" against a blue sky.
Education
3 weeks ago
Marion County Public School Board Unanimously Approves MTC Purchase of Lab Equipment for Radiography Program

A unanimous vote by the Marion County Public School Board for Marion Technical College to go forward with a project where they will be able to offer an Associate’s of Science degree in radiography was approved at the MCPS board meeting Asept. 9, 2025.

A brown sign with an insignia in the left-hand corner, that's on stilts. Grass in the foreground and background, with a tree line and sky on the background too.
Entertainment
3 weeks ago
Horseback Riding in Marion County is an Autumn Experience that’s Magical in Nature

There’s no better way to spend an autumn morning than exploring Marion County on horseback.

A woman in a blue t-shirt, stands next to a woman. holding up a wooden frame, with a tree line and blue sky in the background.
Local
3 weeks ago
Raising the Walls: Habitat for Humanity Marion County Women Build 2025 Transforms Lives

Habitat for Humanity Marion County’s Women Build 2025, was more than just about new dwellings, it was about building hopes and dreams for the Mann and Jones families.

MCPS sign with motivational message on grassy roadside in Ocala under partly cloudy skies.
Education
3 weeks ago
Marion County School Board Approves Budget and Millage Rate Resolution at Special Meeting

The Marion County Public School Board unanimously approved the millage rated and budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 at a special meeting on Sept. 9, 2025.

Glass door to the left, bring wall with a numbers on a placard above large placard with letters and numbers.
Community
3 weeks ago
Marion County Commission to Consider Resolution Adoption for Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Rolls at Public Hearing

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners will be holding a public hearing Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the McPherson Government Campus Auditorium to adopt annual rate resolutions and certify non-ad valorem assessment rolls.

A group of young athletes, dressed in pink sweatshirts, with the exception of the one in the middle in a blue sweatshirt, standing in front of a colorful mural.
Sports
3 weeks ago
Ocala Swim Program TekMasters Produces Swimmers Who Succeed on National and Global Stage

TekMasters swim program in Ocala places an emphasis on scholarship, citizenship and sportsmanship.

A picture of a map with lettering and graphics on an art easel.
Local
3 weeks ago
City of Ocala Hosts Public Meeting Promoting Safer Streets and Roads

A public meeting was held by the City of Ocala for the municipality’s initiative for Safe Streets and Roads for all on Sept. 4.

An auditorium with a sea of people sitting in seats, two overhead screens against the left and left-center wall, with someone speaking at a podium on the left, and people sitting behind a tiered dais, with flags and insignia in the background.
Community
3 weeks ago
Marion County Commission Adopts Resolution for Tentative Millage Rates and Budget at Public Hearing

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted by resolution the tentative millage rates and budgets at the first of the two public hearing on Sept. 4, 2025.