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 watching her Chicago sports teams (go Cubs, Bears, Bulls & Blackhawks!) with her husband and dog.
The latest from Ariel Plasencia
Drop in TPA passengers through first half of 2025 fiscal year
Tampa International Airport saw a drop in passenger numbers during the first half of fiscal year 2025, which runs from October to March.
Tampa resident says glass flower vase likely caused house fire: ‘Worst fear’
A Tampa resident said a glass flower vase he left to dry out in the sun likely caused a fire at his house.
Real ID deadline set for May 7: What to know when traveling
Starting on May 7, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin enforcing the Real ID requirement.
Tampa’s State of the City focused on reflection, hope and unity: ‘We are Tampa strong’
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor delivered her State of the City address on Monday morning.
Scammer pretending to be Keanu Reeves bilks Bay Area woman out of $160K: Documents
A Bay Area woman is out tens of thousands of dollars after sending money to a scammer, who claimed to be celebrity Keanu Reeves.
UF researchers: How urban green spaces can be designed to benefit humans, wildlife
University of Florida researchers studied how urban green spaces can be designed in a way to benefit both humans and wildlife.
Senator Rick Scott joins Venezuelan leaders to rally for freedom and democracy
U.S. Senator Rick Scott joined Venezuelan community leaders in Tampa for a rally Thursday, reiterating his mission to help fight for freedom and democracy in Venezuela.
Pasco County Animal Services suspends dog adoptions after respiratory disease outbreak
Dog adoptions and operations at Pasco County Animal Services have been temporarily suspended after reported cases of canine pneumovirus, a highly contagious respiratory disease.
Brandon homeowner wins Florida-friendly Landscaping award
A Brandon homeowner won the 2025 Florida-Friendly Landscaping award for Hillsborough County, thanks to his environmentally-friendly yard and water conservation efforts.
CDC staffers that investigate cruise ship outbreaks recently laid off, HHS says
Staffers working as part of a CDC program that monitors and investigates cruise ship outbreaks were recently laid off, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).