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
FDA approves new specialized glasses to help children with nearsightedness
The U.S. FDA authorized marketing of new specialized eyeglass lenses to help slow the progression of myopia in children ages 6 to 12 years old.
City of Tampa buying water earlier than normal to meet demand during shortage
The city of Tampa gets most of its water from the Hillsborough River, which isn’t very full right now because it wasn’t a very rainy “rainy season."
Ybor Heights community helps neighbor track down stolen dogs
A Tampa dog owner is thankful for her Ybor Heights community after her neighbors worked together to track down her stolen dogs.
Pinellas teacher struck by lightning while biking in Peru over Thanksgiving holiday
A Palm Harbor Middle School teacher was critically injured after lightning struck him and his friend while they were mountain biking in Peru over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving threat: Safety tips for your holiday leftovers
Experts are explaining how to properly store leftovers in an effort to prevent foodborne illnesses this Thanksgiving.
Hillsborough County issues emergency burn ban
Hillsborough County issued an emergency burn ban Monday, which will remain in place for at least seven days.
Travelers can now plan vacations with AI — experts warn of costly mistakes
Travelers are using vacation itineraries generated by artificial intelligence chatbots.
AI experts warn parents about risks hidden in AI-powered toys
Many stores have released Black Friday deals early, so if you’re out shopping, experts encourage parents to be aware of the potential risks AI-powered toys may pose for kids.
Thanksgiving travel at Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport
Holiday travel is officially underway in Tampa Bay, and both major airports are preparing for busy crowds as Thanksgiving approaches.
TECO, Duke Energy warn of utility scams on awareness day
TECO, Duke Energy, and the Better Business Bureau Serving West Florida (BBB) have designated Wednesday, Nov. 19 as Utility Scam Awareness Day in an effort to educate residents about these kinds of schemes.