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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@352today.com

A beige background, with blue to the left and right, with flag on either side of the center beige background. A multi-colored insignia with writing an images in the center, in front of the beige background, with a gray wall underneath the insignia at the bottom of the background.
Community
1 month ago
Marion County Commission Approves Zoning Modification for RV Park with Margaritaville-Themed Amenities

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a zoning modification for text amendments for an RV Park from being a PUD with private amenities to a PUD with public amenities, by a 4-1 vote.

A blue sign with white lettering, and a government entity insignia against the blue background. In the foreground and background, a lawn, and to the right trees and a building.
Community
1 month ago
Marion County Engineer Provides Snapshot of Current Road Projects at Commission Meeting

The Marion County Office of the County Engineer provided the Marion County Board of County Commissioners with a snapshot of road projects within the county at their meeting Feb. 17, 2026.

The Ocala City Council approved a monument to honor the legacy of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church at the site of the future Downtown Garage No. 2 during their Dec. 3 meeting.
Local
1 month ago
Historic Ocala Church Turns to Public for Help Finishing New House of Worship

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, whose previous location was purchased by the City of Ocala, has started a GoFundMe to finish the process of building a new house of worship.

Front view of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners building in Ocala, Florida
Community
1 month ago
Ocala Nonprofit Horse Farms Forever Opposes Changes to Make Margaritaville RV Park Bigger, Public

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider a zoning modification from a planned unit development with private amenities to one with public amenities. However, the proposed RV park, which is currently under development is in the Farmland Preservation area.

A horsewoman on in a blue blazer riding a gray horse clear a jumping effort, with MARS Standard, with a canopy in the background.
Equine
1 month ago
Gochman and Iron Maiden Top Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Win at Ocala’s World Equestrian Center

American Mimi Gochman and Iron Maiden were the only rider and horse combination to post a double clear round in winning the $300,000 1.60m Longines FEI World Cupâ„¢ CSI-5* Ocala Presented by MARS at the World Equestrian Center.

A horse and rider jumping over a vertical jumping effort, in an arena, with columns, seating, lights, ornamental vegetation, windows in front of a building. There are jumping efforts to the left and right, and a fiberglass horse to the right.
Sports
1 month ago
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Qualifier Hits Ocala’s World Equestrian Center

The World Equestrian Center is hosting the best in global sport this week with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cupâ„¢ with the $300,000 1.60m CSI5*-W World Cupâ„¢ Ocala by MARS Equestrian Feb. 14.

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano expressed how proud he is of the girls at Pace.
Community
2 months ago
Ocala Mayor’s Life Story Resonates Powerfully with Youth at Silver Springs Youth Academy

City of Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano shared a stirring testimonial at the Silver Springs Youth Academy, on the importance of serving God and others.

The Thoroughbred Racing Initiative was founded by horsemen to address issues and protect the thoroughbred industry and its interests. A horse gallops during a morning workout at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach in 2024.
Sports
2 months ago
Decoupling Bill that could Negatively Impact Marion Thoroughbred Industry Passes State House

The Florida House of Representatives passed a vote Feb. 11, regarding HB 881, which would allow thoroughbred racetracks in the state to decouple their on-site casino permit from their live racing permit, and stop running horses.

Christmas tree in the background, blue and white on the wall in the background, with two rows of people standing in front of and next to one another.
Local
2 months ago
Mentorship Program The VERB Kind Impacts At-Risk Youth in Marion, Alachua, Beyond

Mentors make all the difference in a program that helps reduce the recidivism rate for incarcerated young people.

Marion County Public Schools sign with slogan "Helping Every Student Succeed" against a blue sky.
Education
2 months ago
Marion County School Board Approves Funding for Osceola Middle School Project

The Marion County Public School Board approved funding for a construction project that will transform Osceola Middle School’s Building No. 2.

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