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
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.
Polk County K9 Ace receives custom prosthetic leg after line-of-duty shooting
A retired Polk County K9 is running and playing once again after being fitted with a custom artificial limb following a line-of-duty shooting in August.
Polk County deputies probe gambling rumors after youth football brawl
A weekend football match-up between 8-year-old teams in Winter Haven descended into chaos after an adult attacked an opposing coach near a law enforcement substation.
Florida Amendment 3: How property tax vote could impact library funding
Florida homeowners could see major property tax reductions under Amendment 3, but local library advocates warn the proposal could jeopardize free community services and shutter neighborhood branches.
Lakeland police tech expansion: Rooftop drones, AI reporting and translation-capable body cameras
Lakeland police officers are expanding their reach with new high-tech tools designed to speed up response times and improve community communication.
TJ Wiggins penalty phase: Jury deliberations to begin next week
A jury will begin deliberations Monday as they decide whether convicted triple murderer Tony "TJ" Wiggins will be sentenced to death or spend the rest of his life in prison after both sides rested in the trial's penalty phase.
TJ Wiggins sentencing: Victims' mothers deliver emotional testimony during penalty phase
Jurors in Polk County began hearing penalty phase testimony Thursday to determine if convicted killer Tony 'TJ' Wiggins will receive the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
Judge denies mistrial in Polk County triple-murder trial after father's emotional outburst
A judge denied a mistrial motion Monday following an emotional courtroom outburst during the triple-murder trial of Tony "TJ" Wiggins in Bartow.