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

A woman riding a horse in a Halloween costume with wings. In the background, a tree line, lights equipment, blue sideboards, grass field, and in the foreground grass.
Sports
3 weeks ago
The Ocala Polo Club Brings Seasonal Fun to the Game with Polo-Ween

The Ocala Polo Club’s Polo-Ween returns to the Florida Horse Park on Oct. 25, 2025.

A blue triangle, with white lettering and on the inside multiple symbols, blue, white and orange in color.
Community
3 weeks ago
Member of Marion County’s Florida Legislative Delegation Honored by Florida Farm Bureau

The Florida Farm Bureau has recognized Rep. J.J. Grow, whose district includes part of Marion County, as one of its legislators of the year.

A man wearing a hat, with gray and white in the background. The man with the hat is standing at a podium with a microphone. To the right is a picture inset with people sitting behind a dais.
Community
3 weeks ago
Marion County Approves Special Use Permit for Flea Market at Dunnellon American Legion Post

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a special use permit allowing for an outdoor community flea market and other events at an American Legion Post.

Man in an orange and white jump suit against a gray wall.
Crime & Safety
3 weeks ago
Dunnellon Man Charged with Six Felony Counts over Burglary, Copper Theft

Adam Eugene Davis, 36, of Dunnellon, was arrested on six felony counts on Oct. 16, 2025, by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

MCPS sign with motivational message on grassy roadside in Ocala under partly cloudy skies.
Education
4 weeks ago
Marion County School Board Weighs Options for Northside Schools

Concepts for how to use facilities on the north side of Marion County, particularly the four elementary schools, were discussed at a Marion County Public School Board administrative briefing and work session on Oct. 16, 2025.

Marion County Growth Services building exterior with department names listed on facade.
Community
4 weeks ago
Ocala/Marion County Transportation and Planning Org Presents Draft of Plan

Kittleson and Associates presented a draft of the Ocala/Marion County Active Transportation plan at the Ocala/Marion County Transportation and Planning Organization’s Technical Advisory Committee Meeting.

Education
4 weeks ago
Marion County Public School Board Hears Parents’ Concerns over Potential School Merger

Marion County residents voiced their concern regarding the possible merger of the Fordham Early Learning Academy with Reddick Collier Elementary School.

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Community
4 weeks ago
Ocala City Manager Touts Prosperity, Adaptability in State of the City Address

Ocala City Manager Pete Lee delivered the State of the City Address on Oct. 15 during the Ocala Metro CEP’s ExCEPtional Mornings at the Reilly Arts Center.

In the foreground a paved lot with lines. In the middle of the photo, a group of people standing and holding a red ribbon, with the man in the middle holding an oversized pair of scissors. in the background, the area is festooned with ballons, in and there's a parking sign, in front of t building with windows.
Food & Drink
4 weeks ago
Miller’s Ale House Celebrates Ocala Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting

Miller’s Ale House opened a location on SR 200 on Oct. 14 and celebrated the watershed moment with a ribbon cutting.

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Local
1 month ago
Leesburg City Commission Denies Developer’s Zoning Requests

The Leesburg City Commission voted to deny GKO Development’s request to have property annexed into the municipality and to have the comprehensive plan amended, so they could move forward with a development.