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
Cyberattack on Canvas platform disrupts finals for Bay Area students
A cyberattack targeting one of the nation’s most widely used education platforms caused disruptions for millions of students and teachers this week, including many across the Bay Area.
Hillsborough County school bus data shows fewer drivers passing stop-arms
As the school year begins to wind down, Hillsborough County Public Schools leaders say safety around school buses remains a top priority, pointing to new data that shows progress but also ongoing risks for students.
Port Tampa Bay holds annual hurricane exercise, improves reliability ahead of storm season
Officials at Port Tampa Bay say they are entering hurricane season with stronger infrastructure and improved coordination, as they work to protect one of the state’s most critical fuel supply hubs at a time of heightened global attention on energy resources.
Former Temple Terrace police officer granted bond after crash that killed 6-year-old girl
For the first time, the family of a 6-year-old girl killed in a crash involving a former Temple Terrace police officer is speaking out, as the now-fired officer appeared in court and was granted bond.
Lightning strike likely sparked massive fire that destroyed USF St. Pete marine science lab, officials say
University of South Florida officials now believe a lightning strike sparked the massive fire that tore through the marine science lab on the St. Petersburg campus, as concerns grow over the loss of decades of research and critical equipment.
Prosecutor calls fired Temple Terrace police officer's actions 'sickening' after 104 mph crash kills child
A former Temple Terrace police officer is behind bars after making his first court appearance, accused in a high-speed crash that killed a 6-year-old girl and seriously injured her sister.
USF student murders lead to first-of-its-kind probe into AI’s role in criminal activity
Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier have announced a first-of-its-kind public safety partnership to examine the role artificial intelligence may play in criminal activity.
Families say complaints made to off-campus housing company were ignored before USF murders
A man accused of killing two University of South Florida doctoral students will remain behind bars without bond following a court hearing where he chose not to appear.
Family of USF doctoral student killed speaks out: 'We just want justice and accountability'
The family of Zamil Limon, a University of South Florida doctoral student, is mourning his loss and calling for justice after his body was discovered late last week, leading to the arrest of his roommate.
2024 hurricanes wiped out years of growth for Tampa’s tree canopy: Study
The city of Tampa is facing a significant loss of tree canopy after the 2024 hurricane season, according to a new study presented to the city council.