Aaron Mesmer
Aaron Mesmer is a general assignment reporter and proud member of the FOX 13 News team, where he has been telling Tampa Bay’s stories since March 2013.
A seven-time Emmy Award nominee and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, Aaron brings more than two decades of experience, along with care and compassion, to every assignment. He has been on the front lines of major breaking news across Tampa Bay and the country, often helping lead FOX 13’s coverage in pivotal moments. Just as important to him are the everyday stories that hit close to home, spotlighting the people, families and communities that make the Bay Area unique.
Before moving to Florida, Aaron worked as a reporter and anchor at News 12 Connecticut in the New York City market. He also spent more than four years at News 14 Carolina in Charlotte, NC, after launching his career in West Virginia.
Aaron earned a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with an outside concentration in trumpet performance.
When he’s not in the field, Aaron enjoys time with his wife, Suzy, and their two children. As a family, they love exploring the Tampa Bay area and cheering on the local sports teams. Aaron is also a lifelong Tar Heels and Yankees fan.
The latest from Aaron Mesmer
Lawsuit claims popular i-Ready learning app violates student privacy
A popular digital learning program used in classrooms across Florida, and throughout the U.S., is at the center of a legal battle over student privacy.
Florida law allowing pregnant women to use disabled parking faces expanded lawsuit
A legal challenge to a new Florida law allowing pregnant women to use disabled parking spaces is growing, as disability rights advocates filed an expanded complaint this week.
Tampa school librarian spots rare green iguana near campus: 'I just froze'
A Potter Elementary School librarian couldn’t believe his eyes Monday when he spotted a green iguana outside the campus, an uncommon sight in the Bay Area.
Ybor City celebrates 140 years with massive 140-foot cigar tribute
Ybor City is marking a major milestone, celebrating 140 years since its founding with a tribute to the industry that built it from the ground up.
ZooTampa expansion: Hillsborough County approves $75M for new South America area, upgrades
Big changes are on the way for ZooTampa, as leaders move forward with plans to upgrade existing exhibits and potentially double the park’s footprint through a major expansion project.
Lakeland Fire Department, Red Cross install free smoke alarms after deadly mobile home fire
A deadly fire in a Lakeland mobile home community is prompting action to protect residents, as crews work to make sure families have a critical life-saving tool inside their homes.
Venice Beach diver dragged 60 yards by boat while searching for shark teeth: 'My life flashed before my eyes’
A frightening encounter in the Gulf, off Venice Beach was caught on camera, showing the moment a seasoned scuba diver says she was accidentally dragged through the water by a passing boat.
MacDill AFB bomb plot: Court docs show IED details as suspect remains in China, sister in custody
Newly released court documents and images are shedding light on the explosive device planted at MacDill Air Force Base last month and how federal investigators say they tracked down the suspects connected to it.
Tampa takes control of land built over historic African American cemetery
A unanimous vote by Tampa City Council marked a major step toward honoring those buried and long forgotten at Zion Cemetery, the city’s first African American cemetery established in 1901.
Winter Haven brothers battle rare genetic mutation linked to leukemia
A Winter Haven family is navigating an emotional and life-changing medical journey, as two young brothers fight the same rare condition that can lead to leukemia.