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 launches one-year pilot program to combat illegal dumping
Illegal dumping has been on the rise over the past few years in Polk County, and now, the county is testing a customer convenience center to fight the problem.
Lake Wales' Grove Manor public housing complex to be demolished, getting massive affordable housing makeover
A public housing complex in Lake Wales will be demolished and redeveloped into affordable housing.
Sebring police call off Lake Jackson search after missing diver reportedly accounted for and safe
A search for a pair of possible missing divers has been called off after police confirmed there was only one diver who has been accounted for and is safe.
Byron Donalds endorsed by Grady Judd, makes Lakeland campaign stop: Owning the past, protecting the future
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a front-runner for the Republican nomination for governor, is pushing for support in Polk County.
Lakeland city leaders prioritize infrastructure, public safety and police tech upgrades at planning retreat
The city of Lakeland is laying out its strategic plan for the near and distant future.
Lakeland CRA Mural Passport aims to boost tourism and business with art
A splash of color can make a huge difference in attracting people downtown and to other districts.
Plant City welcomes world’s first autonomous ice microfactory: 'It's cleaner packaging, it's safer'
We're used to hearing a lot about autonomous vehicles, but what about autonomous factories? A pilot project just launched in Plant City, bringing ice and innovation to the Bay Area.
Wesley Chapel plane crash: Officials identify pilot killed when plane slammed into neighborhood
The pilot killed Sunday morning when his plane crashed in a Wesley Chapel neighborhood has been identified.
Lakeland’s first-ever Fuego Festival ignites downtown with Latin culture celebration
The Fuego Festival is spicing up downtown Lakeland. The one-day event is a celebration of Latin culture — bringing fire, rhythm, flavor and heritage.
Florida secretary of commerce raises concerns over $2.6B Fort Meade data center plan
Despite major pushback from the community, the Fort Meade City Commission approved a development agreement for a massive data center on Tuesday. However, the $2.6 billion facility has now caught the attention of the state.