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
Construction continues on affordable and workforce housing units at Rome Yards
City leaders, developers, and construction crews gathered Friday for a progress update on the Gallery at Rome Yards, a residential tower bringing 234 affordable and workforce housing units to West Tampa.
Tampa waterfront homeowners urged to check backyard tidal creeks before hurricane season
Water experts in Tampa are urging homeowners to check local backyard tidal creeks as hurricane season begins to help protect the region from severe flooding and water pollution.
Teen traveling at high rate of speed slams vehicle into Clearwater home: FHP
A 15-year-old boy was taken to an area hospital Tuesday night after he sped down a street and crashed a vehicle into a Clearwater home, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Bay Area nonprofit helps battle the 'summer slide' with everyday reading tips for kids
As summer break approaches, local educators and parents are fighting the "summer slide" by integrating literacy into everyday activities to keep children engaged.
Thousands gather at Bay Pines National Cemetery to honor fallen heroes on Memorial Day
More than a thousand Gold Star family members, veterans and their loved ones, and community members gathered at Bay Pines National Cemetery Monday to honor fallen service members on Memorial Day.
Tampa police update vehicle pursuit policy after review of deadly Ybor City crash
The Tampa Police Department updated its vehicle pursuit policy after a deadly crash in Ybor City that killed four people and injured more than a dozen others last November.
AAA predicts record Memorial Day weekend travel despite rising Florida gas prices: Here's how to save fuel
Despite surging gas prices, AAA is predicting the busiest Memorial Day weekend on record, with 45 million Americans expected to travel nationwide.
USF researchers weigh in on study linking egg consumption to reduced Alzheimer's risk
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, a new study suggests eggs could help lower your risk of developing the disease.
Tampa girls flag football: 4 Bay Area teams compete for state titles
Hillsborough and Pinellas County teams are taking over the AdventHealth Training Center this weekend as they compete for high school girls' flag football state championships.
FWC approves new restrictions on giant manta ray captures in Florida after viral video sparks public outcry
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new rules Wednesday prohibiting the international export of giant manta rays to foreign facilities.