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 team develops new tech that can detect microplastics, nanoplastics in water
Florida Polytechnic University has developed a modified electrochemical sensor that can quickly detect microplastics using just a drop of water.
Sheriff Grady Judd's viral recruitment message to TSA, ICE agents: ‘You'll always get a paycheck’
Amid a partial government shutdown, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is encouraging TSA and ICE agents to come work for him.
Lithium-ion battery fire spreads to Lakeland home, kills 3 dogs: LFD
Three dogs died in a fire sparked by a lithium-ion battery, according to the Lakeland Fire Department.
Lakeland homeowners picket against Talbot House Ministries' proposed relocation site
Talbot House Ministries, a homeless services provider in Lakeland, is pushing to relocate to a busy corridor. But, members of the community in that area are pushing back.
Plant City fertilizer company talks rising costs of nitrogen-based fertilizer, diesel fuel amid Iran conflict
The Iranian conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising the price of fertilizer and diesel fuel.
Polk County honors fallen Army Maj. Cody Khork as remains return to Lakeland airport
A Bay Area hero who lost his life while serving in the Middle East is now back home in Polk County.
Polk County Board of Commissioners approve revised sand mine project in Lake Wales
A proposed sand mine, which was initially rejected and faced a lot of scrutiny from nearby homeowners, will now be a reality in Lake Wales.
Renovation preps begin on century-old Walesbilt Hotel that’s sat vacant for decades
For the next 30 days the city Lake Wales is cleaning out the 100-year-old Walesbilt Hotel that has sat vacant for decades so renovation work can begin and restore it to its old-time glory.
Dundee property owner wants solution for flooding issues after Polk County road drain construction
A property owner is fed up with flooding she claims started after Polk County constructed a road drain several years ago.
Proposed Two Rivers Ranch development could bring thousands of homes to northeast Hillsborough County
A proposed development could bring thousands of new homes to northeast unincorporated Hillsborough County, drawing pushback from nearby residents.