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
60 truckloads of dirt and 40-foot jumps: 'Monster Jam Freestyle Mania' to make Tampa debut
Monster Jam Freestyle Mania is making its Tampa debut at Benchmark International Arena this weekend, bringing a brand-new team format to Tampa Bay.
116 arrested, 5 human trafficking victims rescued in 'Operation Relentless Summer': HCSO
More than 100 people were arrested and five human trafficking victims were saved during "Operation Relentless Summer," a two-month operation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office which targeted human trafficking, online exploitation and sexual offenses against children, officials announced Wednesday.
Hillsborough County unveils district’s first hospitality magnet school at Jefferson High
Jefferson High School is officially the district's first Magnet School of Hospitality and Tourism.
FGCU researchers using 1,500 clams and pink nail polish to help restore coastal ecosystems
As part of a statewide initiative, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) researchers, students, and alumni are pairing clams and seagrass together to see if they can help each other survive.
‘Evil’ Polk County pastor accused of having unprotected sex with teen boy without disclosing HIV status
A 42-year-old Winter Haven pastor faces numerous charges after investigators said he lured a 14-year-old boy he met on a dating app and exposed him to HIV during multiple sexual encounters.
Florida Department of Education to hold online workshop on AI classroom guidelines
Parents across Florida might soon have the power to opt their children in or out of using artificial intelligence in the classroom.
Tampa rescue team: Firefighters recognized for Venezuela earthquake response
Three Tampa Fire Rescue firefighters were honored Friday after risking their lives in Venezuela to search through rubble and rescue survivors following two major June earthquakes.
St. Pete doctors see uptick in children ingesting hazardous household items: 'One pill can kill'
Doctors with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital have seen an uptick in cases of kids accidentally swallowing and ingesting hazardous items around the house.
Two children hospitalized after car crashes into Hillsborough County apartment
A truck crashed into two apartment units in Palm River-Clair Mel on Tuesday morning, sending two children to the hospital in serious condition, officials said.
More than 70 children drown in Florida as safety experts issue warnings
More than 70 Florida children have died by drowning, according to data by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) – which includes several cases in the Tampa Bay area.