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
Gas Dash brings fuel delivery straight to Tampa drivers
Gas Dash expanded its app-based mobile fuel delivery service into the Tampa area to allow drivers to get gasoline delivered directly to their parked vehicles.
Largo High School frosts bathroom mirrors to curb tardiness, parents upset
Largo High School frosted mirrors in the girls’ and boys’ restrooms this year to reduce student tardiness — and parents aren’t happy.
City of Tampa highlights backyard 'ADUs' amid high housing costs, affordability challenges
On Wednesday, the city of Tampa highlighted accessory dwelling units – often called ADUs – as a potential option to fight high housing costs and the housing affordability crisis.
Former Bay Area QB Stephen Garcia prepares for surgery, foundation's fundraiser
Former Jefferson High School and University of South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia is gearing up for surgery next month after he recently completed chemotherapy and pelvic radiation for stage 4 colorectal cancer.
USF researchers developing AI-powered knee sleeve to help prevent ACL injuries
Researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) are working to develop a high-tech knee sleeve that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify movement patterns that could lead to ACL tears, offering future protection to athletes.
60 truckloads of dirt and 40-foot jumps: 'Monster Jam Freestyle Mania' to make Tampa debut
Monster Jam Freestyle Mania is making its Tampa debut at Benchmark International Arena this weekend, bringing a brand-new team format to Tampa Bay.
116 arrested, 5 human trafficking victims rescued in 'Operation Relentless Summer': HCSO
More than 100 people were arrested and five human trafficking victims were saved during "Operation Relentless Summer," a two-month operation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office which targeted human trafficking, online exploitation and sexual offenses against children, officials announced Wednesday.
Hillsborough County unveils district’s first hospitality magnet school at Jefferson High
Jefferson High School is officially the district's first Magnet School of Hospitality and Tourism.
FGCU researchers using 1,500 clams and pink nail polish to help restore coastal ecosystems
As part of a statewide initiative, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) researchers, students, and alumni are pairing clams and seagrass together to see if they can help each other survive.
‘Evil’ Polk County pastor accused of having unprotected sex with teen boy without disclosing HIV status
A 42-year-old Winter Haven pastor faces numerous charges after investigators said he lured a 14-year-old boy he met on a dating app and exposed him to HIV during multiple sexual encounters.