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
Prop master helps bring custom-made pie props to life for ‘The Waitress’ in Winter Haven
A volunteer and community member is helping to serve up a slice of theatre magic at Theatre Winter Haven.
Lake Bonny residents create petition calling for independent investigation into flooding after Milton
A group of Lake Bonny residents are gathering signatures for their petition calling for an independent investigation into how the flooding happened after Hurricane Milton and how local leaders plan to prevent it from happening again.
Trial date set for lawsuit against Publix claiming pharmacies contributed to nation's opioid crisis
A trial date has been set for a federal civil suit that claims Publix fueled the country's opioid epidemic.
Proposed Florida bill aims to create statewide animal abuse database
Currently, there's no way for those selling animals to keep track of animal abusers across the state, but a new state bill aims to change that.
Winter Haven receives $1.5 million grant to improve railroad access at Logistics Park
Governor Ron DeSantis presented a $1.5 million check to the City of Winter Haven to expand railroad access on Monday.
Publix with larger format and expanded offerings coming to Polk County
The home of Publix will soon be getting a new store that will be more than just your average grocery store.
Lakeland Regional to open freestanding ER on southside to accommodate growing population
Lakeland Regional Health is ranked No. 2 in the country for the busiest emergency room department, and now they're opening their first freestanding department in south Lakeland to accommodate more patients.
Petition calls for rejection of proposed 2,000+ home community in Bartow
A new large-scale neighborhood is being proposed off State Road 60, but some residents believe the project will not benefit an already growing county.
City of Lakeland votes to remove fluoride from drinking water
The City of Lakeland has joined the growing list of local governments in Florida voting to remove fluoride from drinking water after commissioners signed off on the move Monday.
Polk County breaks ground on new water production facility to meet future water demand
Polk County broke ground Wednesday on a new water production facility to meet future water demand.