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
Tampa couple gets engaged on stage during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show
For Victor Dimaren and Emma Eldridge, their love story began at a pool party in Tampa.
What’s the difference between dialing 911, 311, 211? Officials break it down
Three digits can have a massive impact, but knowing which one to dial can make all the difference when you need help.
Tampa’s tree canopy matches 20-year low after 2024 hurricanes: Here's how it impacts your energy bill
A post-storm tree canopy analysis conducted by the city of Tampa, the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has quantified the environmental toll of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on the city’s tree canopy.
Tampa father shares 150-pound transformation in new book: ‘Not done yet’
Over the years, physical limitations for Tampa native Chris Garrido were a quiet thief.
Girls flag football season kicks off at Bucs Preseason Classic as NCAA path widens
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off their eighth annual Girls Flag Football Preseason Classic at the AdventHealth Training Center on Monday.
Lutz dog wins Best of Breed at Westminster
Dorian, a four-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier from Lutz, won Best of Breed at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday.
New era for TPA: Final renderings unveiled for first new terminal in 20 years
On Thursday, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board of Directors approved a final design for Airside D, a $1.5 billion project that will serve as Tampa International Airport's first new terminal in nearly 20 years.
Hillsborough County taps telehealth to tackle non-emergency 911 calls
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) is partnering with telemedicine platform MD Ally to change how the department handles the thousands of non-emergency calls dispatchers receive every year.
Moffitt researchers develop algorithm to predict cancer cell evolution
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a new tool to predict how cancer cells evolve. By focusing on chromosome configuration, they said their findings show tumors follow measurable rules.
Gasparilla invasion: Law enforcement continues push for boater safety with rough seas expected
As the city of Tampa prepares for the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest, local law enforcement and fire rescue officials are warning revelers: This year’s invasion may also include a battle against the elements.