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 to launch cybersecurity and AI laboratory on campus
After receiving nearly $3 million in federal funding, the security operations center on campus will be expanded with the addition of an artificial intelligence lab.
Historic 'Old Tucker Home' burns down in Kathleen, cause of fire still under investigation
A historic farmhouse that was considered a local landmark to many in Polk County is now no more after a fire burned it down Tuesday evening.
Residents concerned about flooding pushback against building new Polk County government center in Kathleen
The construction of a new government center in Polk County is facing some pushback from residents who're concerned that the Kathleen area, where the facility would be located, isn't well-equipped.
Polk County limits speakers on non-agenda public comments as animal advocates vow to make voices heard
Polk County is now limiting the number of people who can speak during general public comment sessions at commission meetings.
Hillsborough County opens hydration station after freeze spell dries up private wells
Hillsborough County is stepping in to help residents whose private wells have dried up in the eastern part of the county.
Hillsborough farmers’ crop freeze protection causing dry wells but levels are expected to rebound
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) regulates the use of water for much of the Tampa Bay area, and says growers have been using a lot of it lately to protect their crops from recent freezes.
Florida freeze hits Parkesdale Farms: Why your grocery bill and Valentine’s Day could be impacted
Lt. Governor Jay Collins toured Parkesdale Farms in Hillsborough County on Tuesday afternoon, where Matt Parke, the farm's manager, estimates a crop loss of 20% that will raise prices at the grocery store.
Snowbird Extravaganza cancels annual Lakeland event that caters to Canadian tourists
A long-running attraction for Canadian snowbirds in Central Florida has been canceled.
Lakeland bakery named semifinalist for prestigious James Beard award
Born and Bread Bakehouse in Lakeland is a semifinalist in the 'Outstanding Bakery' category for a James Beard Award.
Lakeland PD’s red-light program catching serious violations as they work to curb dangerous driving
A way that the Lakeland Police Department is trying to reduce the number of traffic homicides and crashes is by using red-light cameras, which have captured serious speeding violations and near-collisions.