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
Permanent memorial at Lakeland sports bar preserves fallen hero Maj. Cody Khork's legacy of service
A permanent memorial display now honors U.S. Army Reserve Major Cody Khork at a Lakeland sports bar following his death in the conflict with Iran. The tribute celebrates the fallen hero's legacy alongside a growing university scholarship fund created in his memory.
Lake Wales downtown revival: Historic hotel restoration and new ACE district launch
A massive economic transformation is sweeping through downtown Lake Wales following the approval of a specialized entertainment district and a boutique hotel restoration project.
Pilot killed in Polk County plane crash remembered by aviation community
An experimental plane broke apart midair and plunged into a Polk County cow pasture Monday night, killing a passionate 23-year-old pilot and flight instructor, according to the sheriff's office.
DeSantis signs public safety bills to protect law enforcement officers, crack down on repeat violent offenders
State officials enacted stricter criminal penalties Tuesday morning to protect law enforcement officers and crack down on repeat violent offenders across Florida.
Federal grant funds $80K study of cracking, deterioration at Lake Mirror Promenade
Lakeland city officials are launching a 120-day structural study to preserve the historic Lake Mirror Promenade after discovering cracking, wall movement and severe water degradation.
Lakeland moves forward with drafting 12-month moratorium on large-scale data centers
Lakeland officials gave city staff approval Friday to draft an ordinance establishing a 12-month temporary pause on large-scale data centers following community resistance to a proposed development.
Retired Lakeland police officers push for annual pension increases amid rising inflation
Retired Lakeland police officers say a lack of pension adjustments has left them struggling to afford basic necessities like food and medicine amid rising inflation.
Lakeland considers 12-month data center moratorium after 'Project Swan' backlash
Lakeland city officials plan to discuss a 12-month moratorium on new data centers during an upcoming agenda study this Friday. The city attorney will look at how to legally define a "hyperscale" data center and analyze regulations used by other municipalities.
Google-backed project wants to release millions of 'good mosquitoes' in Florida to fight dangerous diseases
Tech giant Google has a research program that's trying to fight mosquitoes in Florida with... more mosquitoes.
Eagle Lake residents push to save 100-year-old former school building from demolition
There's a big community push to save a century-old former school building in Eagle Lake.