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
Fort Meade commissioner files lawsuit to block recall campaign effort
Fort Meade City Commissioner Matthew Taylor has taken legal action to halt a citizen-led effort seeking to remove him and two other city leaders from office following controversial approval of a major tech facility.
Three Lennard High School JROTC cadets honored after saving stabbed student near school
Three Lennard High School JROTC cadets in Ruskin saved a fellow student's life after a stabbing near a local store.
Jury selection underway in Bartow for 2020 Frostproof triple murder suspect
Jury selection is underway in Bartow as Tony "TJ" Wiggins stands trial for first-degree murder in the 2020 shooting deaths of three friends near Frostproof.
Church for the homeless in Lakeland offers meals, worship, and a true sense of belonging
Every Wednesday, hundreds of people gather at a colorful East Main Street ministry in Lakeland that provides hot meals, spiritual worship and job outreach programs.
Polk County K9 Ace honored at Bartow City Hall after being shot in line of duty
Newly retired Polk County K9 Ace received official recognition on Thursday at Bartow City Hall after surviving a line-of-duty gunshot wound.
Independent probe launched into former Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker
An independent investigator has taken over the internal affairs probe into former Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker as county authorities conduct a parallel criminal inquiry.
Bok Tower Gardens competes in global giant waterlily weigh-off
A central Florida botanical garden shattered its own record after growing a massive Victoria waterlily leaf capable of supporting nearly 286 pounds.
Stop-arm cameras catch 94 drivers passing Polk County school buses on first day
Polk County law enforcement officers are cracking down on drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses equipped with automated safety cameras.
Pleas for safety improvements after Eagle Lake crash claims life of volunteer chaplain
A Polk County Fire Rescue volunteer chaplain died Wednesday morning after deputies say a dump truck driver ran a red light and struck his vehicle at an Eagle Lake intersection.
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.