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

Items in the background on both the left and right. A man standing in the center wearing a hat.
Community
1 month ago
Ocala’s Rev. Leroy Johnson Featured in British Documentary on Black History

An Ocala business leader, community activist and one of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office’s first Black deputies was recently featured in a documentary that aired in the United Kingdom.

In foreground, a paved parking lot, green grass, with sidewalks in front of a building, with windows, columns and door, with the background of a brick-colored wall, a facade featuring letter, numbers and insignia.
Community
1 month ago
Dept. of Commerce Objects to Marion County’s Proposed Plan Amendment for WEC Sports Complex

FloridaCommerce raised an objection regarding the large-scale comprehensive plan amendment transmitted to the state allowing sports facilities at the World Equestrian Center.

Marion County Public Schools sign displaying logo and motto, "Helping Every Student Succeed," against a clear blue sky.
Education
1 month ago
Marion County Public Schools Session Focuses on Superintendent Search

Marion County Public School Board workshop focused on the recruitment process for the new school superintendent for fiscal year 2026-2027.

A white gazebo with decorative trim and a metal roof stands near a street corner in Downtown Ocala. The top of the structure features a seal that reads “City of Ocala, Marion County, Florida.” The gazebo is surrounded by a white picket fence and sits on a concrete platform. In the background, there are commercial buildings, parked cars, trees, and street signs.
Community
1 month ago
Ocala City Council Hears “Rails-to-Trails” Proposal to Repurpose Unused Railways

The Rails-to-Trails project would take inactive and abandoned pieces of railway and transform them.

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 Discussion of Medical Examiner’s District Conflict Ends without Resolution

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners discussed the possible departure of Lake County from District 5 Medical Examiner’s Office and Seminole County who is in District 24, from the current agreement that is supposed to run through 2029.

Front view of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners building in Ocala, Florida
Community
1 month ago
Marion County Commission Proclamation to Name Road After Charlie Kirk Sparks Controversy

A proclamation made by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners to name a street after political activist Charlie Kirk drew a mixed response from the audience at the Oct. 7, 2025, meeting.

Deep set windows, first and second floor, with white trim, with a facade over columns, with lettering, with stairs in the foreground.
Local
1 month ago
Ocala City Council to Vote on Resolution for Transit Grant

Ocala City Council to vote on resolution for the public transit block grant program agreement.

An insignia with writing and images against a beige background, with a gray base, and flag with colors and images and insignias.
Community
1 month ago
Marion County Commission and FDOT to Hold Workshop on Marion Oaks Extension Project

Marion County Board of County Commissioners in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation will be holding workshop regarding the Marion Oaks Extension Project on Oct. 7, 2025.

On the left, store fronts, palms and a person holding a placard, in the center horses with riders in formal riding attire and on the right the thoroughfare and people lining the street, and lines on the street foreground.
Community
1 month ago
Ocala’s Equine Initiative All-Breed Parade Showcases the Horse Capital of the World

The Ocala CEP’s All-Breed Horse Capital Parade was held in downtown Ocala on Oct. 4, 2025.

The 27th annual Jeeptoberfest will be held Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 at the Florida Horse Park and will feature more than 1000 jeeps.
Entertainment
1 month ago
Jeeptoberfest Returns to the Florida Horse Park for Fun and Fundraising

Jeeptoberfest returns to the Florida Horse Park Oct. 10 and 11, 2025. This year’s event on Oct. 10 will feature the Pink Night for Breast Cancer Awareness Event.

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