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
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.
Woman dies days after being shot, run over by boyfriend outside Safety Harbor bar: PCSO
A 30-year-old woman has died following an argument that turned violent outside a Safety Harbor bar, leading authorities to upgrade charges against the suspect to first-degree murder, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Tampa Theatre: Historic venue celebrates 100th birthday after $24.5M restoration
Tampa Theatre is ringing in its 100th birthday Thursday with a big celebration, marking the completion of seven months of renovations.
Why the famous Waters Avenue Chick-fil-A holiday lights won't shine this year
After 30 years, the elaborate holiday light display at the Chick-fil-A on Waters Avenue in Tampa will not be happening this season.
Tampa offers homeowners up to $3,000 in rebates to replace grass with native plants: Here's how to cash in
The city of Tampa's Florida-Friendly Landscaping Incentive Program (FLIP) offers rebates to homeowners who replace traditional, thirsty grass in their yards with native plants that are drought-friendly.
Tampa seeks public input on planned 56-acre K-Bar Ranch park
The city of Tampa is moving forward with plans to transform 56 acres of undeveloped land in New Tampa’s K-Bar Ranch community into a park – and they want your input.
'Ma, come here!': Bucs QB Jalon Daniels shares postgame moment with mom after first NFL win
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won a primetime victory against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, but one of the most memorable moments of the evening happened after the final whistle blew.
USF students to send wound-healing hydrogel experiment to International Space Station
Four University of South Florida (USF) undergraduates and their mentors developed a hydrogel experiment that’s headed to the International Space Station.
More women under 45 are being diagnosed with breast cancer: What doctors want you to know
About 1 in 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) – and local doctors have noticed the trend, too.