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 girls flag football: 4 Bay Area teams compete for state titles
Hillsborough and Pinellas County teams are taking over the AdventHealth Training Center this weekend as they compete for high school girls' flag football state championships.
FWC approves new restrictions on giant manta ray captures in Florida after viral video sparks public outcry
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new rules Wednesday prohibiting the international export of giant manta rays to foreign facilities.
Can tarantula venom cure anxiety? Tampa teen's AI research wins Florida Invention Convention
For most people, a tarantula is a source of pure anxiety. But for King High School graduating senior Daniel Park, the venomous spider might actually hold the cure.
Florida special session: House, Senate and DeSantis billions apart on spending plan as budget deadline nears
For the second year in a row, Florida lawmakers have been forced into overtime to finalize the state budget.
Fire trucks, free ice cream, and forever homes: first 'Heroes and Hounds' event held Saturday
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, the Sheriff's Office, and the Pet Resource Center teamed up for the first-ever "Heroes and Hounds" event Saturday.
1 dead, firefighter injured after storage facility fire: HCFR
One person is dead, and a firefighter was injured after a fire at a storage facility on Friday night.
Tampa man at heart of guesthouse, pickleball court saga gets out of jail after agreeing to demolish structures
Tampa businessman Michael Martin spoke from his Beach Park home Friday shortly after being released from jail. This comes as he ultimately agreed to comply with a court order to demolish several structures on his property following a lengthy dispute with his neighbors.
Former Jefferson High School QB Stephen Garcia tackling stage 4 cancer diagnosis: 'Fight it one day at a time'
Former Jefferson High School quarterback Stephen Garcia, 38, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer.
Tampa legal analyst shares how the backyard guest house dispute led to contempt charges and jail for homeowner
There have been many questions and comments about the neighborhood dispute between Michael Martin and his neighbors, the Babbitts, over the two-story guest house, pool and pickleball court in his backyard.
Hillsborough County puppy dies during surgery after abuse caught on camera: 'It's hard on our community'
The Hillsborough County dog who was seen on camera being kicked and thrown by a woman died during surgery Tuesday. Now, investigators are considering additional charges against the abuser already facing multiple felonies.