Aaron Mesmer
Aaron Mesmer is a general assignment reporter and proud member of the FOX 13 News team, where he has been telling Tampa Bay’s stories since March 2013.
A seven-time Emmy Award nominee and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, Aaron brings more than two decades of experience, along with care and compassion, to every assignment. He has been on the front lines of major breaking news across Tampa Bay and the country, often helping lead FOX 13’s coverage in pivotal moments. Just as important to him are the everyday stories that hit close to home, spotlighting the people, families and communities that make the Bay Area unique.
Before moving to Florida, Aaron worked as a reporter and anchor at News 12 Connecticut in the New York City market. He also spent more than four years at News 14 Carolina in Charlotte, NC, after launching his career in West Virginia.
Aaron earned a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with an outside concentration in trumpet performance.
When he’s not in the field, Aaron enjoys time with his wife, Suzy, and their two children. As a family, they love exploring the Tampa Bay area and cheering on the local sports teams. Aaron is also a lifelong Tar Heels and Yankees fan.
The latest from Aaron Mesmer
Florida’s marine crisis: New study reveals widespread plastic ingestion in state waters
A new Ocean Conservancy analysis found widespread plastic ingestion among sea turtles and marine mammals found in Florida waters.
Sarasota County charter boat captains protest program requiring permits to pick up customers at county parks
Dozens of charter boat captains gathered at Nora Patterson Bay Island Park Wednesday to protest new county regulations that will soon require them to pay for limited permits to operate at public docks and boat ramps.
Leo Govoni fraud: 2 years after $100M trust collapse, families of disabled victims still suffer
Two years after the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration filed for bankruptcy, families who depended on the nonprofit say the damage caused by its collapse is still shaping their daily lives.
John’s Pass 'beach' to be removed as $1.5M dredging project begins to improve safety
A familiar but controversial stretch of sand at John’s Pass is about to disappear as crews start a major dredging project aimed at improving safety and restoring water flow through the busy channel.
Ybor City cigar factory home set for major restoration after getting 'Historic Landmark' designation
A piece of Ybor City’s smoking history is getting a second life. The Nieto-Fuente House, a building that served as the original home of the Arturo Fuente Cigar Company, has been cleared for a massive restoration project that aims to bridge the gap between Ybor’s past and its modern future.
Florida education leaders taking aim at student ‘walkout’ demonstrations during school hours
Tensions between local student activists and state education officials are escalating, as Wharton High School became the latest site for demonstrations against federal immigration policies.
Severe drought conditions prompt a 'Stage 2 Drought Warning' for Tampa Bay area
Residents across Tampa Bay are being asked to significantly cut back on water usage as regional supplies dwindle under the weight of an intensifying drought, which has triggered a “Stage 2 Drought Warning.”
Tampa’s International Plaza to undergo major makeover: What to know about the exterior expansion
One of Tampa’s busiest and most upscale shopping destinations is getting a major makeover, as International Plaza becomes the latest local mall slated for redevelopment.
Florida education leaders propose changes to controversial ‘Schools of Hope’ law
Florida education leaders are proposing tighter rules for "Schools of Hope" Charter Schools after critics said the program created chaos and panic in districts across the state.