BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com) – Sometime in the hours between Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, 2026, we here at 352Today lost a coworker, friend and consummate newsman.
And the North Central Florida region lost a committed advocate and public servant.
Ben Baugh, 60, passed away quietly in the night of unknown causes. He was discovered on the morning of May 3 by his stepfather, John Butt, who came to wake him for church.
“Ben was a dedicated journalist who cared deeply about his work and the community he served. He brought curiosity, professionalism, and a steady presence every day,” said North Central Florida Media GM Lisa Varner in an internal announcement.
“His contributions to 352today and the stories he told will have a lasting impact, and he will be greatly missed.”
Ben was devoted above all to providing the community with the stories that informed and entertained his neighbors and fellow residents of the 352, from city council meetings and Planning & Zoning updates to articles about development, preservation and the sort of events he thought made this place so special.
In fact, the only things Ben loved more than the place he lived were the equine sports it helps nurture and support. His final stories for 352Today concerned the region’s connection to his cherished Kentucky Derby.
On a personal note, Ben helped me through my first six months as editor-in-chief of 352Today in ways for which I will always be indebted, from introducing me to the people I needed to know to do my job right and well to showing me where to get the best coffee, pick the best fruit and have the most fun. He was a deeply thoughtful, giving and spiritually curious man, and he was my friend.
He helped make 352Today what is it is and will be. Thank you for reading his stuff.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
Information about any memorial events will be forthcoming.