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
Duke Energy refunds Largo woman after nearly 5 years of wrong bills
A Largo homeowner spent nearly five years paying exorbitant power bills after Duke Energy linked her billing account to a luxury Treasure Island home by mistake.
Hurricane Katrina inspires Lakewood Ranch man to build AI app to preserve family history
A Lakewood Ranch creator turned deep family loss into a high-tech legacy preservation tool, building an artificial intelligence app designed to capture personal histories before they vanish.
State of local emergency extended as Hillsborough County dengue cases near 400
With dengue fever cases nearing 400 in Hillsborough County, the local state of emergency has been extended through this Thursday, Nov. 5.
Residential cruise ship leaves passengers 'homeless' after Florida-based company suspends trip
Passengers are speaking out after a residential cruise came to a halt on Oct. 27 after the Florida-based cruise operator blamed extraordinary fuel costs.
USF students invent smart water bottle sleeve to take guesswork out of hydration
USF students developed a smart silicone sleeve that turns a standard water bottle into a personalized hydration tracker.
Longest-tenured shelter dogs in Tampa Bay rooting for underdog Rays
With the Tampa Bay Rays facing a do-or-die Game 4 Tuesday night, local rescue shelters are leaning into that "underdog mentality" by highlighting some literal underdogs at their facilities.
Injured Hillsborough County deputy recounts I-75 crash: 'Very scary moment'
Corporal Niomi Bruce with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is recovering after a driver crashed into her patrol vehicle on I-75 — while she was investigating a completely separate incident.
From wedding bells to cowbells: Local couple looks back on 2009 Tropicana Field reception
As the Tampa Bay Rays chase a championship, a Winter Haven couple is looking back at their own big day at the ballpark – when they hosted their wedding reception at Tropicana Field in 2009.
World Series craft beer battle: St. Pete taprooms rally for Rays vs. Brewers
As the Tampa Bay Rays prepare for Game 1 of the World Series, a different kind of friendly rivalry is happening off the field.
Sexual assault exams: Pinellas County ends Suncoast Center agreement
On Tuesday, Pinellas County commissioners voted unanimously to terminate a roughly $180,000 annual contract with the Suncoast Center, ending the nonprofit's forensic exam services on Dec. 31.