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
Dozens of neighbors stranded after flood washes away only road into Lake Placid neighborhood
A washed-out private road along Lake Istokpoga has stranded dozens of elderly residents in Highlands County, cutting off land access for emergency vehicles following historic floodwaters.
Polk County teachers, staff to receive pay boost next school year after funding hike approved
Polk County public school employees will receive an immediate pay boost next school year after voters approved a property tax increase expected to generate $80 million.
Hardee County flooding: River crest expected overnight after downpours
Floodwaters in Hardee County reached dangerous levels after torrential rainfall dumped up to 14 inches across the region, prompting emergency officials to declare a local state of emergency as rivers continue to rise.
Disney workers, deputy and youth coach among 281 arrested in Polk County human trafficking sting
A massive, multi-agency undercover operation in Polk County led to the arrest of 281 people facing nearly 500 new criminal charges targeting online child predators and human trafficking operations.
Former handler donates K9 Vader after Polk County shooting forces Ace to retire
A Polk County deputy is back with a new four-legged recruit just months after her K9 partner, Ace, was shot and forced into retirement following a line of duty shooting in early August.
Florida AG proposes overnight quiet mode and strict limits on teen social media
Florida officials are proposing strict new restrictions on tech platforms after state law enforcement tied more than 1,000 child predator cases directly to online chat rooms.
Polk County passenger rail study: Leaders evaluate station options
Local transportation leaders are taking steps to expand high-speed train service west toward Tampa by launching a new station location study in Polk County.
Florida Poly unveils nation's first flying electric police vehicle
Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland is now home to the first flying electric vertical takeoff and landing police vehicle in the country.
Polk County Commission considers ending comments on official social media pages
The Polk County Commission is scheduled to vote Tuesday morning on a resolution that would completely shut down the public comment sections across all of its official social media platforms to halt the spread of harmful misinformation.
Mosaic to layoff nearly 200 workers as it idles South Fort Meade operations
Chemical giant Mosaic is idling its South Fort Meade fertilizer plant on Dec. 8, laying off roughly 199 workers due to a global sulfur supply crunch, according to state filings.