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 watching her Chicago sports teams (go Cubs, Bears, Bulls & Blackhawks!) with her husband and dog.
The latest from Ariel Plasencia
More than 100 wild flamingos counted in Florida, census shows
Audubon Florida counted more than 100 wild American flamingos across the state during one week in February, according to new census data.
AI technology, lasers helping measure damage to forests caused by hurricanes
Researchers with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) developed technology using lasers and artificial intelligence to evaluate how extensively forests are damaged during hurricanes.
University of Tampa student gave birth in dorm bathroom, baby died soon after: Warrant
According to recent court records, the mother of a baby found dead in a garbage bin at the University of Tampa gave birth to the baby in a dorm room bathroom.
Construction underway at temporary home stadium for Tampa Bay Sun FC – Blake High School
The Tampa Bay Sun Football Club, the area's first professional women's soccer team, will be building an extended section of the Riverwalk as part of upgrades being made to Blake High School's riverfront stadium. It will be the team's temporary home.
Teen charged in deadly shooting granted $160K bond in Hillsborough court hearing
New details in the shooting death of a teenager were released at a court hearing Tuesday for the Hillsborough County teen who’s charged in the crime.
Water Street Tampa unveils expansion plans
Water Street Tampa released plans on Monday for three new projects as part of the area’s continued development.
'Representation matters:' Female high school athletes learn about careers for women in sports
A total of 200 female athletes from eight Hillsborough County high school flag football teams attended Tuesday’s networking event put on by ESPN commentator and Tampa resident Tiffany Greene.
Teen throwing water escalated into gunfire near Armature Works injuring 3, including pregnant mom: Documents
Court documents show last week’s shooting near Armature Works that left several people injured started after water was thrown during an altercation in a public restroom.
Second Armature Works shooting suspect appears in court, teen remains behind bars
A teenager appeared in court Saturday on charges related to Tuesday’s shooting near Armature Works in Tampa.