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
Polk County Fire Rescue mourns volunteer chaplain killed in crash
A beloved Polk County Fire Rescue chaplain died Wednesday morning when a dump truck ran a red light and crashed into his car in Eagle Lake.
Polk County deputies crack down on saw palmetto berry thefts
Deputies in Polk County are cracking down on illegal saw palmetto berry harvesters who target private property to profit off high pharmaceutical demand.
Lakeland Linder International Airport upgrades: New gates and air taxis coming
Lakeland Linder International Airport is launching major infrastructure upgrades backed by new federal grants to accommodate airline growth and futuristic air taxi testing.
Polk County commissioner proposes 1% infrastructure sales tax to offset Amendment 3
A Polk County leader is proposing a major tax swap to prevent severe budget cuts if Florida voters approve Amendment 3.
Plant City woman shot, killed mom, 2 children before turning gun on herself: Police
A Plant City woman shot and killed her mother and two of her young children before dying by suicide in early May, according to the Plant City Police Department.
K9 Ace becomes first canine patient saved by Tampa General Aeromed
K9 Ace is retiring at home after emergency air responders flew him to Manatee County veterinary hospital after he was shot by a suspect during a shootout in Polk County.
Haines City officer arrested for misusing Flock cameras to track estranged wife: Officials
A Haines City police officer is accused of misusing Flock camera databases to track his estranged wife's car, according to officials.
Polk County K9 Ace's surgery paid for by Tampa couple's non-profit
A Tampa non-profit organization has stepped in to cover all medical expenses for a Polk County Sheriff's Office dog who had his leg amputated after being shot in the line of duty last week.
Florida Southern College turns citrus groves into 'living laboratories' to help rescue state's industry
Florida Southern College has planted 45 young citrus trees across its Lakeland campus to create a hands-on living laboratory aimed at helping growers revitalize Florida's struggling citrus industry.
Florida nurse violently killed by son accused of overdosing on Tylenol and crashing her car: Sheriff
A man is in custody after deputies say he brutally murdered his mother inside her Eagle Lake home before fleeing in her car and getting into multiple crashes.