Carla Bayron
Carla Bayron is a general assignment reporter for FOX 13 covering Polk County. She joined the team in September 2023.
Carla is a Sunshine State native who grew up in Palm Harbor. She attended Palm Harbor University High School and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Telecommunications.
After nearly six years reporting throughout the state of Michigan, she's thrilled to be back in the Tampa Bay area and closer to family. She said she will miss the Fall season, the beaches along Lake Michigan, and yes, even the snow, but only around Christmas time!
Throughout her career, Carla has covered numerous high-profile events, including the mass shooting at Oxford High School in Oakland County, MI, the officer-involved shooting death of Patrick Lyoya in Grand Rapids, President Trump's 2016 campaign rally in Ocala, Florida and white nationalist Richard Spencer's speaking appearance at the University of Florida.
In her spare time, Carla enjoys creative writing, playing video games with her husband, and cheering on the Florida Gators and Tampa Bay sports teams. She also loves traveling, eating, and exploring the outdoors.
The latest from Carla Bayron
Lakeland PD’s red-light program catching serious violations as they work to curb dangerous driving
A way that the Lakeland Police Department is trying to reduce the number of traffic homicides and crashes is by using red-light cameras, which have captured serious speeding violations and near-collisions.
Florida Citrus Festival returns to Winter Haven after nearly 2 decades
After nearly two decades, the historic Florida Citrus Festival is being revived in Polk County.
Polk County school board approves rezoning for high schools
Polk County School Board officials decided to rezone the district's high schools during their meeting Tuesday evening.
Hillsborough County recovery center aims to offer help for former inmates
A first-of-its-kind recovery center is now open in Hillsborough County.
Carbon monoxide leak sends 23 students to hospital in Winter Haven: Police
23 students are being evaluated at Winter Haven Hospital after police say a carbon monoxide leak was detected outside of Cypress Junction Montessori School on Friday morning.
Husband, wife running for Dundee commission seats in April municipal elections raises questions
A husband and wife team are both running for the town of Dundee commission seats in the upcoming April elections.
Lakeland Habitat for Humanity launches 'legacy' home program for seniors to help prevent homelessness
A Lakeland nonprofit housing organization is launching a first-of-a-kind program that aims to prevent senior residents from ending up on the streets.
Lovers’ Oak: The history behind tree along Lake Morton that’s been around as long as the City of Lakeland
The view of Lake Morton is beautiful no matter where you stand, but there's one spot in particular that's quite famous.
Polk deputies accused of assaulting teen with disabilities while serving warrant, family seeks accountability
A Winter Haven family is calling for the Polk County Sheriff's Office to be held accountable after they say their 15-year-old son was wrongfully detained and traumatized during the execution of an arrest warrant.
Polk County approves plan to ease Lake Seward flooding — but it's not a permanent solution
Homeowners on Oakmont Lane near Lake Seward are still struggling more than a year after their homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Milton.