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
What is EMAS? Explaining the technology used to stop planes that overrun runways
A fatal Amazon cargo jet crash at Miami International Airport has refocused attention on airport runway safety systems across Florida.
Tampa Bay restaurants adapt as GLP-1 meds and ‘sober curious’ diners shift habits
Some Tampa Bay restaurant owners say they are adjusting menus and adding more non-alcoholic options and smaller portions to adapt to changing diner habits.
Pasco County firefighters deploy 1,200 miles to Texas to battle massive 'Ross Fire'
A team of 16 Pasco County Fire Rescue personnel has traveled some 1,200 miles from home to join the front lines against a massive wildfire burning through North Texas.
Florida AG, law enforcement agencies issue comments on automated license plate readers
State leaders and local law enforcement agencies issued comments on automated license plate readers (ALPRs) Tuesday – just one day after FDOT ordered that ALPRs be removed from state highway rights of way within 30 days.
Six more dachshunds rescued from ‘hoarding’ situation as 21 continue to recover in Tampa
A Tampa non-profit said it saved six dachshunds over the weekend from a hoarding situation — and that these dogs are related to the 21 others who were surrendered to Pinellas County Animal Services last week.
University of Tampa requiring students to take new generative AI class, starting this fall
As classes kicked off for the fall semester at the University of Tampa Monday, sophomores are returning to campus with a brand new class on their schedule – and it’s all about generative artificial intelligence (AI).
21 dachshunds recovering at Humane Society of Tampa Bay, rescued from hoarding situation
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) took in 21 dachshunds following a hoarding situation.
Inside Amazon Air’s high-speed Lakeland operation
Ever wondered how your Amazon package makes it to your doorstep in less than 24 hours?
RFK Jr., Anna Paulina Luna host Clearwater roundtable on regenerative farming
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. joined U.S. Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, and state agricultural leaders for a roundtable discussion in Clearwater on Tuesday.