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
Look, but don’t touch! What to know about tussock moth caterpillars
If you’ve spent any time outside lately, you may have noticed a tiny, fuzzy, uninvited guest covering cars, patio furniture, or local park benches.
Saint Leo University to require AI certifications for all graduates through IBM partnership
A college diploma has always served as proof that a student has mastered their major. But starting this fall at Saint Leo University, that piece of paper will guarantee something else: An understanding of artificial intelligence fundamentals.
Palm Harbor science teacher recovering, leaning on community after tragic lightning strike in Peru
For James Fernandez and his wife, Alexis, sitting in their Clearwater home, reading through over 250 cards brings much-needed light to what’s been a difficult past four months.
Tampa residents air energy cost frustrations at city council meeting
Frustrated Tampa residents urged city council Thursday to pressure state lawmakers for affordable energy reforms.
Tampa doubles ditch clearing pace ahead of hurricane season, some residents say upkeep remains battle
The city of Tampa announced crews have already graded and cleared more than 13,400 linear feet of ditches so far this year, which is double the pace from this time last year.
Treasure Island offering free trash bags to help curb litter, just in time for spring break season
The City of Treasure Island installed two new trash bag dispensers offering free trash bags to beachgoers, just in time for spring break.
Lakeland, Sarasota, and Tampa rank in Top 30 'U.S. Allergy Capitals'
Three Tampa Bay cities were just named in the nation’s top Allergy Capitals for 2026 by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
Bay Area gas prices near $4: The mental toll on drivers and financial strain on small businesses
According to new data from AAA, average gas prices in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Sarasota Counties are currently sitting just pennies below $4 a gallon.
Longtime South Tampa boutique closing after 26 years, owner cites ongoing roadwork
The owner of a longtime South Tampa boutique said the city’s ongoing stormwater relief project and limited parking have proven to be insurmountable roadblocks for her business.
Wondering what’s planned for area near Tampa’s old Army-Navy store? Here’s what’s proposed
The City of Tampa has officially selected a proposal by PMG Affordable to redevelop four properties on the northern edge of downtown, including the site of the old Army-Navy Surplus Market store and the Royal parking lot.