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Ben Baugh

Ben Baugh was 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.

Community
1 month ago
The ‘WEC Effect’ Continues to Transform Land Valuations in Marion and Levy Counties

The World Equestrian Center continues to play a critical role in area land valuation and real estate sales.

Marion County Public Schools sign with slogan "Helping Every Student Succeed" against a blue sky.
Education
1 month ago
Workshop Presentation Focuses on Tentative Marion County Education Facilities Plan

Planning for the future, Marion County Schools held a workshop regarding a tentative facilities plan and update, including the interlocal agreement.

In the background a tree line, in the middle, a swell of people in rows, with the people behind the ribbon holding giant scissors. In the foreground artificial turf.
Sports
1 month ago
Marion County Celebrates Improvements to Advent Fields at Rotary Sportsplex with Ribbon Cutting

Marion County celebrated the christening of the synthetic turf conversion for Advent Fields at the Rotary Sportsplex.

The facade of a building, with a off beige trim hanging over the entrance, off beige concrete siding, an insignia handing over the entrance with lettering an image, glass doors in the center background, glass window to the right of a concrete column.
Community
1 month ago
Marion County Comprehensive Plan Returned by the State of Florida to Planning & Zoning for Reworking

The Marion County comprehensive plan will have to be transmitted to Tallahassee once again as the state found some of the policies burdensome because of minor language issues.

Marion County Growth Services building exterior with department names listed on facade.
Community
1 month ago
Marion County Planning & Zoning Grants Continuance for Rezoning Request to Heavy Business

Marion County Staff recommended denial for an applicant’s zoning request change. However, the applicant based on staff’s recommendation has agreed to a less intense zoning change request.

A large, brick building features an overhang over the entrance with red letters on the front reading, "City Hall." Stairs lead up into two double-door entrances to the building.
Local
1 month ago
Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission to Hold Public Hearing for Vision 2050 Draft in April

The City of Ocala’s Planning and Zoning Commission will be holding a public hearing in April regarding the municipality’s Vision 2050 draft, an update to Vision 2035.

A blow-up arch with the City of Ocala logo on either side and a display of horses walking through a field toward the top. Guests walk underneath it, walking toward vendors under canopies.
Community
2 months ago
Liberty Lives Here as Marion County Day 2026 Kicks Off the America 250 Celebration

Marion County Day 2026 was the kickoff celebration for America 250 Liberty Lives Here at the Mcpherson Governmental Campus.

Blue curtain to the left in the background, multi-colored placard with an insignia and writing and to the right an off-white colored wall. A man speaking and the back of people's heads in the foregrounds.
Education
2 months ago
Marion County School Board Gathers Information at Northside Meeting

Marion County Public Schools held a community meeting in the Northend March 25, 2026, to discuss rezoning and consolidation, gather input and answer questions.

Grass in the foreground, a large sign with a logo and writing, to its immediate right a telephone poll, trees in the background, a hanging street sigh, and cars and building to the right in the background.
Education
2 months ago
Marion County School Board Passes Amended Central Office Staffing Plan for New Fiscal Year

The Marion County Public School Board unanimously approved an amended proposed central office staffing plan for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Community
2 months ago
Summer Event Funding to be Discussed at Marion County Tourism Development Council Meeting

The Marion County Development Council will discuss funding for several events including Rock The Country.