Central Florida News
Nico Gramatica’s Four Field Goals Lift USF Past FIU as Bulls Turn to Army
Published
3 weeks agoon
By
NISEY LOU S.
Bulls kicker scores 13 points as Brian Hartline earns his first victory as USF head coach
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Nico Gramatica delivered a big opening-night performance for South Florida, accounting for 13 points as the Bulls defeated FIU 19-9 and gave first-year head coach Brian Hartline his first victory at USF.
Gramatica connected on four field goals — from 37, 53, 30 and 29 yards — and converted an extra point. His 53-yarder highlighted a performance that provided the Bulls with points when drives stalled and helped USF maintain control of the season opener.

USF kicker No. 7 Nico Gramatica prepares for a play during the Bulls’ 2026 Spring Game in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Nisey Spruill/Florida National News)
Gramatica Gives USF an Early Boost
Gramatica’s performance adds another chapter to a familiar football name in Tampa.
The USF kicker is the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Martin Gramatica, but Nico continues to establish his own identity with the Bulls. His four-field-goal performance provided a strong start to the season and demonstrated his ability to convert from long range.
His 13 points accounted for more than two-thirds of USF’s scoring against FIU.
Bulls Defense Forces Three Turnovers
USF’s defense also played a major role in the victory, forcing three FIU turnovers while the Bulls finished the game without committing a turnover.
That combination helped USF protect its lead and gave Hartline a victory in his first game leading the program.
For a team beginning a new era, winning the turnover battle and limiting mistakes provided an encouraging foundation.
Brian Hartline Era Begins With a Win
The 19-9 victory marked Hartline’s first win as USF’s head coach and gave the Bulls early momentum as they begin the 2026 season.
While Gramatica provided much of the scoring and the defense created turnovers, USF now faces a different challenge: taking that formula on the road.
USF Turns Its Attention to Army
The Bulls travel to West Point, New York, to face Army on Saturday, Sept. 12, at noon in USF’s first road game and first American Conference matchup of the season.
After opening the Hartline era with a victory in Tampa, the Army matchup will provide an early test of how the Bulls respond away from home and against a conference opponent.
For USF, the objective is straightforward: build on the opener and keep the early-season momentum moving.
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– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Orange County Announces $28,200 Public Art Opportunity at Tangelo Park Community Center
Published
11 hours agoon
October 2, 2026
Artists and artist teams invited to submit qualifications for artwork at the renovated center in Orlando’s historically Black Tangelo Park community
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Public Art Review Board is seeking artists or artist teams to develop artwork for the newly renovated Tangelo Park Community Center, according to a public art call announcing a $28,200 commission budget.
The request for qualifications invites participation from one or more artists or artist teams. Applications must be submitted through CaFÉ by 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 4, 2026, according to the announcement.
Art Opportunity in a Historically Black Community
The announcement describes Tangelo Park as a historically Black community with a proud heritage. The artwork will be developed for a community center designed to bring residents of different generations together through social services, recreation and community activities.
The center sits within a midcentury modern neighborhood next to Tangelo Park Elementary School and an adjoining outdoor recreation center.
Renovated Center Expands Community Space
According to the announcement, the renovated community center features a multipurpose meeting space, classrooms, a computer lab and offices. The site also includes an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor pool and solar gazebos available for community use.
The center’s primary purpose is to support county social service programs and recreational activities. Its spaces are also intended to accommodate family programs, community gatherings, art exhibitions, festivals and other events.
The announcement describes the facility as a welcoming extension of home, where individuals and families can gather safely and comfortably.
Application Details
The public art call lists the following information:
- Project: Tangelo Park Community Center public artwork.
- Location: Orlando, Florida.
- Seeking: One or more artists or artist teams.
- Commission budget: $28,200.
- Application platform: CaFÉ.
- Deadline: Nov. 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Artists interested in the commission should consult the complete CaFÉ listing for submission requirements and additional project details.
Business
Hola at the Park Set for Oct. 3 in Altamonte Springs; Admission Free
Published
1 day agoon
October 1, 2026
Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.
According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.
FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices
Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.
The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.
Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.
Food, Entertainment and Family Activities
The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.
Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.
A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte
Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.
The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
- Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
- Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
- Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
- Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
- Admission: Free and open to the community
- Registration: Not required
Vendor Inquiries
For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.
Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games
Published
1 day agoon
October 1, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
New affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.
The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.
“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.
$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs
The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.
The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.
Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.
Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7
The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.
Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.
“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.
Merchandise Deals Start at $15
The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.
Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.
SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation
The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.
According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.
Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans
Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.
“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.
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