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 man in a jump suit standing against a gray wall.
Crime & Safety
1 month ago
Ocala Man Convicted of Sexually Assaulting a Minor

Ocala man convicted in a sexual assault case of a minor.

A group of people behind a ribbon, with a building with large windows in the front in the background. A parking lot is in the foreground.
Community
1 month ago
Ceremony Celebrates Certification of the Marion County Sexual Assault Center

The Marion County Sexual Assault Center provides critical services to those who’ve experienced sexual violence.

In the background a white screen with lettering and red shields with lettering, with a woman and man dressed in uniforms in the foreground.
Community
2 months ago
Center of Hope, the Salvation Army of Ocala’s New Majors to Continue the Nonprofit’s Mission

The Salvation Army of Ocala welcomed to new majors this summer who look forward to the challenge of helping the community’s most vulnerable.

Construction of SR 200 is a State project not the City of Ocala
Local
2 months ago
Commuter Confusion? Road Construction on SR 200 isn’t a City of Ocala Project, the Responsibility Falls with a State Agency

There seems to be a misunderstanding about the road construction on SR 200 in Ocala. It’s a Florida Department of Transportation project, not the cities.

A horse ride wearing ear bonnets, with a rider, in a red blazer, helmet, boots, grasping the reins high up on the withers near the horse's mane, exhibiting a balanced position, with his leg angle and foot position in the stirrups providing the correct cues at the optimal time, as the horses forelegs are poised to go over the vertical, which has flags on top of each standard, with a red flag in the foreground and white flag in the background. And English saddle, sits on top of a saddle, which has a saddle cloth underneath with the riders number and the flag of the United States of America.
Sports
2 months ago
World Equestrian Center Sets 2026 Winter Spectacular Dates for Ocala

The World Equestrian Center has announced the return of its 12-week 2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series, running from Dec. 31, 2025, through March 22, 2026. The nationally sanctioned hunter/jumper circuit will bring elite competition to Ocala, featuring 10 weeks of FEI classes, the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Ocala, and the Longines League of Nations™.

In the foreground pavement for a parking, a recreational vehicle, with lettering, numbers and insignias, with a tree line in the background.
Community
2 months ago
Community agencies working together to help the homeless

Community agencies are coming together to address the problem of homelessness in the community.,

MCPS sign with motivational message on grassy roadside in Ocala under partly cloudy skies.
Education
2 months ago
Marion County School Board discusses changing kindergarten start date from Sept. 1

The Marion County Public School board discussed the possibility of a change in the state statute that could change the language for starting kindergarten in the future.

Extreme left, brick wall in background, in the middle the interior of the lobby is visible through the window, facade in the background over the window treatment, which appears to be limestone, stenciled lettering, deeply inset in the background glass windows and glass doors, to the right brick facade, small sign with an insignia, to the left and right of the glass and metal sconce lighting fixtures, to the right another column and more brick. A concrete walkway is in the foreground leading to the doors that open to the vestibule.
Local
2 months ago
City of Wildwood and You Thrive Senior Services offer meals and activities for seniors in Sumter

The City of Wildwood and Thrive Senior Services are combining their efforts and are offering a program providing Sumter County residents 60 years and older wit free meals and recreational activities.

Accident on US 301
Local
2 months ago
TRAFFIC ALERT: Accident on U.S. 301 just north of Wildwood.

Authorities are on scene after a crash on U.S. 301 near Wildwood. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and find an alternate route.

To the left a stretch of roadway with cars, in the background white clouds, blue skies, a traffic sign, and in the far distance a traffic signal, to the right in the background a tree line. The focal point is signs, with two rectangular signs with writing on top of a blue pentagon shaped sign with writing. with a rectangular sign underneath with letters.
Local
2 months ago
Temporary lane closure for Buena Vista Boulevard scheduled for Aug. 13

A pavement preservation treatment of a roadway in south Marion to extend the life of the roadway surface will begin Aug. 13,

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