Ariel Plasencia
Ariel Plasencia joined FOX 13 in April 2023 and is excited to be reporting in the Sunshine State.
Ariel spent the last four years in Dallas, TX covering news, sports (yes, including the Cowboys), and traffic. From stories on TCU’s run in the College Football Playoff National Championship to issues with the power grid to all things barbecue, Ariel wore many (cowboy) hats during her time in the Lone Star State.
Before Texas, she worked as a reporter and anchor in North Carolina.
A Chicago native, Ariel grew up in cold, windy weather and studied math at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. She received her master’s degree in journalism at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
When she’s not working, Ariel enjoys spending time outdoors – as close to water as possible! – with her husband, two kids and dog. She also loves cheering on the local sports teams – and her Chicago ones, too! (Go Cubs, Bears, Bulls & Blackhawks!)
The latest from Ariel Plasencia
Longtime South Tampa boutique closing after 26 years, owner cites ongoing roadwork
The owner of a longtime South Tampa boutique said the city’s ongoing stormwater relief project and limited parking have proven to be insurmountable roadblocks for her business.
Wondering what’s planned for area near Tampa’s old Army-Navy store? Here’s what’s proposed
The City of Tampa has officially selected a proposal by PMG Affordable to redevelop four properties on the northern edge of downtown, including the site of the old Army-Navy Surplus Market store and the Royal parking lot.
Tampa car dealer sentenced to prison, accused of $372K car loan fraud scheme
A 27-year-old Tampa man is heading to federal prison after investigators say he used his position as a car dealer to submit fake loan applications and insurance claims.
Tampa Theatre closing Duncan Auditorium for 7-month $24.5M renovation ahead of 100th birthday
Following WineFest this Friday and Saturday (March 6–7), Tampa Theatre’s historic Duncan Auditorium will go dark for seven months to undergo extensive renovations.
Temple Terrace police searching for man accused of abducting, sexually assaulting 13-year-old girl
Police in Temple Terrace are investigating after a missing teenager said she was abducted and sexually assaulted by a man on Monday evening.
Florida man accused of manipulating Winn-Dixie self-checkouts, stealing nearly $10K in groceries over 8 months
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says they have caught the man responsible for manipulating self-checkouts at several Winn-Dixie locations across the county over the past eight months.
Local painters help Valrico nonprofit working to open its first transitional home for young women
The nonprofit, Forgotten Angels, is working to open its first transitional home in Valrico dedicated entirely to young women aging out of foster care, at-risk, or facing homelessness.
More budget airline deals announced for Tampa Bay travelers
Breeze Airways announced three new nonstop flights out of Tampa International Airport (TPA) starting this summer.
Have a spring break trip to Mexico? Travel agents share tips after cartel-related violence
With the recent cartel-related violence happening in Mexico, some Tampa Bay area families have questions and concerns about their upcoming getaway.
Tampa Bay area tourists witness violent cartel retaliation in Mexico after 'El Mencho' killed
After one of Mexico’s most powerful drug lords was killed over the weekend, some Tampa Bay locals found themselves with a front row seat to the explosive retaliation happening there.