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Ben Baugh

Ben Baugh was 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.

On the left an American flag, the flag of the State of Florida, a woman behind a podium with a microphone, a large screen to the woman's right with writing and an image.
Community
3 months ago
Ocala Woman Works Toward Educating the Community about Domestic Violence

Darnitha Johnson has taken her own experiences, including being homeless and in abusive relationships, to help and empower women who are going through similar situations.

Two women and two men stand on a mat, in front of plastic barricades with structures in the background.
Sports
3 months ago
Sports Psychology Consultant Mario Soto Helps Ocala-based Athletes and Others Up Their Game

Sports psychology consultant Mario Soto is helping athletes of all levels, including some of Ocala’s best, reach optimal results.

A horsewoman dressed in costume, wearing a naval themed outfit, riding a horse and clearing a jumping effort, with the standard saying hits, in a ring, with trees in the background.
Community
3 months ago
Children’s Charity Classic Connects the Community through Horses, Giving and Family Fun

The United Way of Marion County’s Children’s Charity Classic presented by HCA Florida Healthcare at HITS Post Time Farm showcased the area’s deep ties to the equestrian community, while providing much needed support to area charities that provide critical services.

A man standing in front of a circular rotunda, with glass, and flags suspended from the ceiling in the background. The man is to the left of a number of items, including a uniform, framed documents on the floor and on a table to the right of a man, and picture placards to the extreme right.
Local
3 months ago
Ocala Community Leader Celebrates Father’s Legacy at Florida State Capitol

Ocala’s Larry Johnson, celebrated the legacy of this father the Rev. Leroy Johnson with a presentation at the State Capitol in Tallahassee.

In the foreground is a blurred black light pole with autumn-colored leaves hanging around it. In the background is a white gazebo with an American flag standing on top of it. Further back are restaurants and shops lining a city street.
Local
3 months ago
Ocala City Council Approves Paddock Market’s Request to Sell Alcohol on Premises

The Ocala City Council approved the request of Paddock Market to sell beer, wine and liquor for on-premises consumption.

Front view of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners building in Ocala, Florida
Community
3 months ago
Marion County Commission Holds Public Hearing on Concerts at World Equestrian Center

The first of two public hearings regarding a developer amendment agreement between Marion County and the owners, including the World Equestrian Center was held Feb. 18, 2026, with the board taking no action and hearing only public comment.

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
3 months 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
3 months 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
3 months 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
3 months 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.

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