Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Media Day: New Coach Sean Sweeney Sets Tone for 2026-27 Season

Published

1 week ago

September 28, 2026

Orlando Magic coach Sean Sweeney speaks into a microphone at a press table against a blue backdrop featuring Magic and AdventHealth logos.

Orlando Magic head coach Sean Sweeney addresses reporters during Media Day at AdventHealth Training Center in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Playoff disappointment fuels urgency as Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Orlando’s returning core prepare for a fresh start

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic opened preparations for the 2026-27 NBA season with a new head coach and a familiar challenge: turning the potential of their returning core into postseason success.

At Media Day on Sept. 28 at AdventHealth Training Center, players and team leaders emphasized accountability, communication and the urgency created by last season’s first-round playoff exit. Sean Sweeney now leads that effort in his first season as an NBA head coach.

Florida National News was on location, capturing photographs of Magic players and covering the Media Day press conference as the team discussed its preparation and expectations for the upcoming season.

Sweeney’s Approach: Turn Expectations Into Daily Habits

Sweeney’s message focused on teaching, establishing standards and making sure players’ actions reflect those expectations.

For Orlando, the immediate task is translating that approach into consistent execution. Training camp offers the first opportunity to establish responsibilities and develop the habits Sweeney wants to see throughout the season.

Paolo Banchero described offseason conversations and work with Sweeney, including feedback about his development. Wendell Carter Jr. also discussed the coach’s expectations for following instructions and executing assignments.

Detroit Series Leaves Unfinished Business

The Magic’s playoff loss to Detroit provided the backdrop for the team’s renewed urgency. Orlando surrendered a 3-1 series lead, with Franz Wagner missing the final three games because of a strained right calf.

President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman reaffirmed his confidence in the returning core when healthy. Players described the elimination as a difficult ending that shaped their offseason preparation.

“We want that pressure,” Wagner said, according to Spectrum News 13’s Media Day coverage.

Orlando has exited in the first round in three consecutive seasons, making postseason progress a central question entering the new campaign.

Paolo Banchero wears a white Orlando Magic No. 5 pinstriped jersey and white arm sleeve while seated at a microphone before a blue Magic and AdventHealth backdrop.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero participates in the team’s Media Day press conference at AdventHealth Training Center in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Banchero Targets Consistency and Conference Success

Banchero identified winning the Eastern Conference as a team objective and said he wants to perform at a high level every night.

The forward entered camp expressing confidence in his physical condition and preparation. His early work with Sweeney also established communication about what the coach expects from him.

Banchero’s stated ambitions raise the stakes for the season. Meeting them will require sustained production and the ability to help Orlando execute when games become more demanding.

Key Takeaways From Media Day

A new coach is establishing expectations. Sweeney emphasized teaching, accountability and the habits needed to support the team’s standards.
Orlando is backing its returning core. Weltman expressed confidence in the group’s potential when healthy.
The playoff loss remains a motivating factor. Players conveyed urgency after surrendering their series lead against Detroit.
Banchero is setting ambitious goals. His priorities include consistent performance and competing for an Eastern Conference title.

Upcoming Season: Preseason Opens Oct. 7

The Magic begin preseason play Oct. 7 at Memphis, followed by a trip to Cleveland. Orlando then returns home to face the Cavaliers and Miami Heat before opening the regular season against Atlanta on Oct. 21.

Date	Matchup	Time, Eastern
Oct. 7	At Memphis Grizzlies	8 p.m.
Oct. 11	At Cleveland Cavaliers	6:30 p.m.
Oct. 13	Cleveland Cavaliers	7 p.m.
Oct. 16	Miami Heat	7 p.m.
Oct. 21	Atlanta Hawks — regular-season opener	7 p.m.
Oct. 23	Minnesota Timberwolves	7 p.m.

All times are subject to change, according to the team’s published schedule.

For Orlando, the preseason will provide the first look at how Sweeney’s expectations translate to competition. Media Day established the team’s ambitions. The coming season will test its ability to deliver.

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Central Florida News

Temple Hands USF First Loss, 17-13

Published

2 days ago

October 4, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

Cameron Seldon races toward the sideline as Temple defenders force him out of bounds. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

Bulls move to 4-1 as Hartline turns attention toward corrections and the week ahead

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida’s unbeaten start ended Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium as Temple defeated the Bulls 17-13. USF struck first behind a Nico Gramatica field goal but went into halftime trailing 10-3 before finding momentum after the break.

USF responded in the third quarter as D.J. Crowther’s one-yard touchdown tied the game at 10.

USF and Temple battle at the line of scrimmage. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

The Bulls’ defense added a key stop when No. 1 C.J. Hicks recovered a Temple fumble in the end zone. Gramatica later connected from 49 yards to give USF a 13-10 fourth-quarter lead. Temple answered with the defining possession of the night, driving 96 yards before quarterback No. 13 Ajani Sheppard scored on a 34-yard run to put the Owls ahead for good.

Temple’s 96-yard fourth-quarter drive became the turning point in the 17-13 finish.

Joshua Porter sprints for catch with Adrian Laing closing in for Temple. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

USF was unable to answer late, dropping to 4-1. Following the game, head coach Brian Hartline focused on returning to the film, correcting the mistakes that surfaced and making sure the Bulls use the loss to improve heading into the next week.

FINAL: Temple 17, USF 13

Up Next: USF travels to San Antonio to face UTSA on Thursday night.

– 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

4 days ago

October 2, 2026

FNN NEWS

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

5 days ago

October 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

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.

Photo: Florida National News

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.

Photo: Florida National News

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.