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
Manatee County couple loses everything in fire — but two items survive
A retired veteran and his wife — both 78 years old — narrowly escaped their burning Ellenton home Saturday morning after waking up to the sound of crackling flames.
Bay Area kids heal, make connections at burn survivor camp
A week-long camp in the Bay Area is providing a safe space for young burn survivors to share their stories and build confidence together.
Hillsborough County agencies share resources for physical, emotional, and financial elder abuse
Hillsborough County seniors gathered at the Brandon Senior Center on Wednesday to hear experts share tips and resources for spotting physical, emotional, and financial elder abuse.
Hillsborough County youth fire academy works to build future workforce
The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation’s Alan D. Anderson Summer Youth Fire Academy is giving 35 local teenagers hands-on experience during a two-week program in June.
What to know before buying a robotic lawn mower
Researchers with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) studied some of the earliest robotic lawn mowers, which cut at 2.4 inches, to see if they could maintain St. Augustine grass when run daily.
Tampa, Sarasota and Lakeland rank among nation’s deadliest metro areas for pedestrians, study finds
A recent report on pedestrian safety ranks three Bay Area metros among the deadliest in the nation.
Tampa CRA delays Rays stadium funding vote until August
The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) voted 5-2 Thursday to delay a vote on funding for the proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium until August 20.
AAA, TGH launch safety campaign after Tampa doctors report surge in serious e-bike injuries
A Pasco County nine-year-old is sharing his crash story as AAA and Tampa's Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH launch a safety campaign, hoping to prevent e-bike injuries this summer.
Hillsborough County business owner used mail fraud scheme to buy $1.6M house, indictment says
A Hillsborough County business owner faces up to 20 years in federal prison after a federal mail fraud indictment said he allegedly used investor money to get a mortgage to buy a $1.6 million home.
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.