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
Palm Harbor K-8 charter school proposal raises traffic, environmental concerns among nearby residents
You may have seen a "pending" sign on the corner of Alderman and Belcher roads in Palm Harbor. The property may soon be home to a new K-8 public charter school.
Bartow puts new aquatic center project on hold as Florida lawmakers consider eliminating property taxes
Proposed property tax cuts are already having a chilling effect on local government. In the city of Bartow, plans for a new aquatic center are currently on hold.
Plant City family quadruple murder case remains unsolved nearly 1 month later
Nearly a month since Plant City police found a woman and her children and their grandmother killed, there are still more questions than answers in the community.
Tampa Memorial Day ceremony: Gold Star families recognized at downtown Riverwalk
A community gathering on Monday morning at MacDill Park on the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa honored fallen military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Polk County commissioner and former NASCAR driver Rick Wilson reflects on Kyle Busch's racing legacy
Fans of Kyle Busch are reacting to the tragic and shocking news of his death across Central Florida.
Why federal forecasters say 'it only takes one' storm as NOAA releases 2026 hurricane season predictions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday that the agency is predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, driven by a strengthening El Niño climate pattern.
Lakeland approves 800-home development on former Wedgewood golf course, residents raise traffic concerns
A former golf course and country club in north Lakeland will now become an 800-home development.
Polk County Sheriff's Office highlights ongoing upgrades at animal shelter
For more than a year now, animal welfare advocates have been raising concerns about conditions at the Polk County Animal Control shelter. Now, the Polk County Sheriff's Office, which runs the shelter, is updating the community on the ongoing improvements made to the facility.
$9.6 million Bartow pedestrian bridge connects Fort Fraser Trail
A new pedestrian bridge under construction over State Road 60 in Bartow is drawing praise from local business owners and city leaders for its potential to improve safety and connectivity.
Lakeland nonprofit opens $6.5M apartment buildings for chronically homeless residents
Gospel Inc. recently opened new permanent apartments in Lakeland for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. It is much more than just a roof over their heads; it is a place to build new skills and find a sense of community.