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 well-dressed woman standing in front of a microphone, with sears to her right and in the background. In the far background, gray seats, brown baseboards and off-beige walls.
Education
2 months ago
Marion County School Board Hears Update on Internal Audit from Outside Consultant

An audit firm presented the Marion County Public School Board with an update in a number of areas including planning, design and construction.

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
2 months ago
Marion Commissioners Get Update on Belleview Health Department Project

The Belleview Health Department may be getting a facelift in the near future, increasing its size to keep up with the region’s growth and offer additional services.

In the foreground is a light pole with autumn-colored leave and a sideways sign reading, "Ocala. Find your place." In the background are trees, buildings and multiple poles with similar leaves and signs reading rules. There are also tables with umbrellas and walking paths for public use.
Entertainment
2 months ago
Ocala City Council Approves Historic Landmark Where a Young Tom Petty Met Elvis Presley

The Ocala City Council approved an ordinance designating a historical marker celebrating two rock legends.

Closeup of Ocala Downtown Gazebo with white support beams and fencing surrounding it and leading down to the square. White triangles surround the top of the gazebo with a blue-gray dome sitting atop it and a City of Ocala circular logo placed center in the front facing triangle.
Local
2 months ago
Ocala’s Office of Homelessness Prevention Makes a Difference in Improving Lives

The city is working toward solutions to prevent homelessness, and making homelessness a brief, rare and non-reoccurring experience for all residents of Marion County.

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
2 months ago
Marion County Commission Approves Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame

A Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame honoring veterans not only for their military service, but for their involvement in the community, was approved at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Dec. 16, 2025.

Front view of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners building in Ocala, Florida
Community
2 months ago
Marion County Approves Special Use Permit for “Simunition” Training Facility in Citra

A facility in Citra would provide customers with an opportunity to simulate self-defense scenarios, if someone were to break into their home. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved the special use permit for the simunition training facility Dec. 15, 2025.

Glass door to the left, bring wall with a numbers on a placard above large placard with letters and numbers.
Local
2 months ago
Marion County Approves Permit for Ocklawaha Business to Sell Beer and Wine

The Marion County Commission granted a special use permit with conditions to a business in Ocklawaha.

A man takes a pine wreath out of a box that's in an SUV.
Local
2 months ago
Wreaths Across America Honors the Fallen at Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park

Wreaths Across America made a stop in Ocala to remember those veterans who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, those currently serving and their families, by placing wreaths by tablets representing each branch of the service at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

White lettering on a blue background, with the image of a horse's head and a heart, with white lettering underneath.
Business
2 months ago
Annual Tourism Report Celebrates Ocala Region’s Rising Status as a Global Destination

Ocala and Marion County are expanding their global footprint through tourism as they are now a preferred destination for travelers.

Buildings, palms, racetrack rail system, green space, in the background, large half mile pole, horses racing in the rain over the dirt.
Sports
2 months ago
A Thoroughbred Racetrack in Marion County’s Future? It’s a Possibility

An initiative that would activate a dormant, nonprofit thoroughbred racing permit was revealed Dec. 9 at the Global Symposium on Racing, whose objective would be to build a racetrack and entertainment complex in Marion County.

1 4 5 6 7 8 72