Central Florida News
Gilzean Proposes $1M for Voter Outreach and Cybersecurity
[Orange County, Florida, May 9, 2024] – Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Glen Gilzean, unveils a groundbreaking budget that not only boosts voter outreach and education but also strengthens cybersecurity to ensure election integrity. Recognizing the growing threat of cyber-attacks on election infrastructure, Supervisor Gilzean has allocated a significant portion of the budget to implementing robust cybersecurity measures designed to protect voter data and safeguard election processes.
Supervisor Gilzean aims to set a new standard for electoral efficiency and transparency, underpinned by a comprehensive approach to community engagement and fiscal responsibility. “Our democracy thrives when every voice is heard, and every vote counts,” stated Supervisor Gilzean. “By investing in outreach and education initiatives, we empower our citizens to actively participate in the democratic process. Thanks to local input from the community, we present a budget that honors taxpayers and increases opportunities for more citizens to access their right to vote. This budget enhances voter engagement while delivering significant savings for Orange County taxpayers.”
To address the growing threats of cyber-attacks and data breaches, the proposed budget includes key investments in advanced cybersecurity technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and data encryption. This step underscores the priority Orange County places on protecting the integrity of its elections and ensuring that voter data remains secure.
Community leaders demonstrate the support for Supervisor Gilzean’s budget proposal:
Ms. Rose Morris, President of Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, said, “Many seniors like myself have fought hard to secure the right to vote, and I’m glad to see that Supervisor Gilzean is investing in voter education and outreach. By ensuring every vote is counted and every voice is heard, he is honoring the legacy of those who fought for democracy and making it easier for everyone to participate.”
Pastor Jimmy Siberio, Iglesia Oasis, remarked, “By investing in cybersecurity, Supervisor Gilzean is ensuring that every vote is protected. The focus on bilingual community outreach—in both English and Spanish—demonstrates a commitment to making sure that all members of our community are informed and engaged in the democratic process.”
Pastor Hezekiah Bradford Jr., President of Ministerial Alliance, commented, “This budget shows that Supervisor Gilzean is serious about protecting our votes and our voices. The investment in cybersecurity ensures that we can trust the system, and the increase in voter education means more people from our communities will be informed and engaged.”
The proposed budget by Supervisor Glen Gilzean marks a pivotal moment in Orange County’s electoral landscape, setting a precedent for effective governance, community involvement, and fiscal prudence. As the budget proposal moves forward for consideration and approval, Supervisor Gilzean remains steadfast in his commitment to advancing democracy, transparency, and accountability in Orange County.
Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane combine for 47 points as Orlando closes preseason with a 21-point victory and turns its attention to the regular-season opener.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Paolo Banchero scored 24 points and Desmond Bane added 23 as the Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 136-115 on Friday night at Kia Center to close their preseason.
Orlando coach Sean Sweeney credited improved transition defense and unselfish offense for helping the Magic settle into the game after Miami’s fast-paced start.
The victory provided encouraging signs heading into the regular season, although players and coaches emphasized that Orlando’s defense remains a work in progress.
Ball Movement, Bane’s Aggressiveness Lift Orlando
Sweeney said the Magic adjusted to Miami’s speed as the game progressed, allowing Orlando to establish its offense.
“Offensively, we did a pretty good job of sharing the ball again — attacking that way,” Sweeney said.
Bane’s willingness to seek perimeter shots also stood out.
“I thought his aggressiveness was great and he’s got to keep building on it,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney said the preseason gave the starters an opportunity to establish a rhythm while learning how to respond to pressure.
“There is definitely some value in that, anytime you face adversity and have to come back it’s important,” he said.
Defense Remains a Priority
Despite the 21-point victory, Desmond Bane said Orlando’s defensive performance fell short of the team’s expectations.
“I think that we did some things well, especially on the offensive end,” Bane said. “But defensively we knew they were going to be playing fast.”
Bane said the Magic needed to do a better job containing the ball.
“We did okay,” he said. “Good enough to win but not to our standard.”
Nikola Vucevic said limiting Miami’s transition opportunities helped Orlando regain control of the pace and establish its preferred style.
“I think once we took care of that, it was much better,” Vucevic said. “Obviously, offensively it was a really good game for us. I think defensively there’s still room to grow.”
Vucevic said learning a new system requires patience, continued work and adjustments.
“We have to continue to work on it step by step, but there’s definitely a lot of positives,” he said.
Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives toward the basket against Miami Heat defenders during the preseason finale Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. The Magic won 136-115. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.
Vucevic, Bitadze Provide Options Inside
Sweeney praised Vucevic and Goga Bitadze for their preseason contributions, pointing to their different strengths at center.
He highlighted Vucevic’s offensive skills, defensive communication and rebounding, along with Bitadze’s work on the boards, spacing and defensive impact.
“They’ve impacted the game in positive ways every time they’ve played,” Sweeney said.
Vucevic also credited the starters with establishing the team’s intensity and said the reserves must maintain that standard.
“I think also for us, coming off the bench, it’s important that we continue and keep up the same level of play,” he said.
Wagner, Richardson, Penda to Be Re-evaluated
Sweeney provided updates on three Magic players following the game.
Jase Richardson experienced back soreness, Noah Penda had right hamstring tightness and Franz Wagner had right shoulder soreness.
“Those guys will be re-evaluated,” Sweeney said.
He did not provide a timetable for their returns.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra speaks with reporters following Miami’s 136-115 preseason loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. Photo by Florida National News
Spoelstra Sees Progress Despite Loss
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra credited Orlando’s performance while maintaining that the Heat had made meaningful progress during training camp.
“Orlando competed and played very well, particularly those last three quarters,” Spoelstra said. “But these last 20 days have been very productive for our basketball team.”
Spoelstra said improving defensive chemistry remains a priority. He also emphasized that Miami’s depth will influence its rotations throughout the season.
“Our depth is a big strength of ours, and we will be maximizing our depth throughout the course of the season,” he said.
What’s Next for the Orlando Magic?
The Magic open the regular season against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. at Kia Center.
Orlando enters the opener looking to build on its offensive execution while improving transition defense, containing dribble penetration and monitoring the three players awaiting re-evaluation.
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Staff: Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com | Harry Castiblanco, Photographer
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