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 police announce 3 indictments, 1 suspect wanted in 2020 Christmas Eve killing of grandmother
Nearly six years after a Christmas Eve shooting claimed the life of a 70-year-old Lakeland grandmother and injured three members of her family, investigators announced multiple arrests and new murder charges.
Polk sheriff ties James Duckett to 1987 cold case murder: ‘Pure evil in the flesh’
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced Thursday that executed Florida prisoner James Duckett is responsible for the 1987 abduction, rape and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon.
High schoolers train in real-world scenarios at Lakeland's High School Police Academy
High school students across the area are stepping into the boots of law enforcement officers this week during a week-long summer academy designed to build career interest and personal confidence.
Small town leaders in Polk County push back against proposed Amendment 3
Small-town leaders in Polk County are pushing back against a proposed state amendment that would dramatically raise Florida's homestead exemption, warning the change could cripple municipal budgets.
Polk County approves higher water fees for new construction and reclaimed water
Polk County commissioners voted last week to raise water connection fees and irrigation rates to manage surging construction expenses and conserve local groundwater.
Free rabies vaccines: Polk animal control, SPCA Florida partner after recent cases
Health officials across Polk, Sarasota and Citrus counties issued rabies alerts, prompting local animal groups to offer free vaccinations and microchips Saturday in Lakeland.
Winter Haven High School teacher accused of having sex with 15-year-old student wants to marry her: PCSO
A Winter Haven High School robotics teacher and boys’ tennis coach is accused of sexually battering a 15-year-old student.
Highland City homeowners fed up with truck driver tearing up neighborhood property
A driver tore through a retention pond in Highland City on Monday around 6:30 p.m., leaving residents in a local neighborhood facing costly repairs for repeated property damage.
Eagle Lake death investigation: Polk County deputies identified potential suspect in woman's suspicious death
Deputies are conducting a suspicious death investigation in Eagle Lake after finding a woman dead on Wilder Way, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Preservationists claim old Eagle Lake schoolhouse slated for demolition qualifies for massive grants
A newly formed historical society is fighting to save the last historic building in Eagle Lake from a city plan to tear it down and build a new city hall complex.