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 picture of a circle with letters and an insignia with images and lettering, with flags to the left and right.
Community
1 month ago
Marion County Chair Kathy Bryant’s State of the County Address Places and Emphasis on Progress with Purpose

Progress with Purpose, Marion County Board of County Commissioners Chair Kathy Bryant delivered the State of the County address at Belleview on the Rise on Aug. 26, 2025.

A sidearm on a white piece of cloth, with orange pill containers, plastic baggies, magazines to the sidearm, on top of a blue bag, and gray car seat.
Crime & Safety
1 month ago
Driver Asleep in Minivan Leads to Multiple Felony Arrest by Ocala Police Department

A man sleeping in a minivan at a convenience store, was carrying various narcotics, a stolen gun and more than $3,000 in cash. He was arrested by the Ocala Police Department and has been charged with 10 felonies.

Four men sitting behind a wood dais, with carpeting in the foreground, three flags on each side of a large insignia with an image and lettering in the background.
Community
1 month ago
Florida Department of Transportation gives update on Pine Avenue and SR 40 Intersection Project at Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization meeting

The Florida Department of Transportation provided an update on the Pine Avenue and SR 40 project during the Ocala/Marion County Transportation and Planning Organization meeting.

A group of well-dressed people standing behind a ribbon with a man in a doctor's smock with a large pair of scissors, with balloons in the background and lights overhead.
Community
1 month ago
Ribbon Cutting Marks Expansion Milestone for HCA Florida West Marion Hospital with State-of-the-Art Patient tower

HCA Florida West Marion Hosptial held a ribbon cutting Aug. 26, 2025, for its new state-of-the-art patient tower.

Well-dressed people holding a giant check, with balloons festooned over an entrance way.
Community
1 month ago
HCA Healthcare Foundation present’s a $25,000 Check to the United Way of Marion County

HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund presented the United Way of Marion County with a check for $25,000 at the HCA Florida West Marion Hospital on Aug. 26, 2025. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

Front view of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners building in Ocala, Florida
Local
1 month ago
Fish Hawk Spirits weighs $250K investment to stay in Marion County

Ocala-based Fish Hawk Spirits faces tough choices after its special use permit expired, with county officials pressing for major upgrades. The distillery has invested more than $4 million locally and employs six people, but meeting conditions could cost an additional $250,000.

Circle, and inside the circle lettering, and then a badge with lettering and an insignia, with a green background inside the circle.
Crime & Safety
1 month ago
Stolen Vehicle, Profanity Filled Texts, Concealed Drugs and Contraband Results in Multiple Felonies

A woman’s car is stolen and leads to more than grand theft auto charges, with her nefarious activities including three other felonies including drug possession.

A beige background, with a circle with an insignia featuring lettering and a landscape image, with a flag to the right, and at the bottom and gray coloring at the bottom of the wall.
Local
1 month ago
Marion County grants continuance for Fish Hawk Spirits permit amid compliance concerns

The Marion County Commission voted unanimously to give Fish Hawk Spirits more time to address compliance issues after the company’s special use permit expired in 2024.

Exterior of former Elks Lodge building in Belleview with paved parking area and carport.
Community
1 month ago
Marion County Commission Unanimously Approves Special Use Permit for Outdoor Storage on Old Elks Lodge Site

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a special use permit for outdoor storage on the site of an old Elks Lodge on, Aug. 19.

Man who robbed local cafe will remain in jail
Crime & Safety
1 month ago
A Man Who Robbed a Summerfield Internet Cafe Seven Years Ago Will Remain in Prison for Life

A man who committed a robbery in Summerfield had his appeal denied and will spend his life in prison.

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