ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney is opposing a request by Gov. Ron DeSantis to disqualify a judge overseeing the company's First Amendment lawsuit against the Florida governor and others in which Disney says it was punished for speaking out against Florida legislation that critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay.”
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Gov. Ron DeSantis is asking that a federal judge be disqualified from the First Amendment lawsuit filed by Disney against the Florida governor and his appointees, claiming the jurist's prior statements in other cases have raised questions about his impartiality on the state's efforts to take over Disney World's governing body.
Disney asks judge to dismiss DeSantis-appointed board’s lawsuit in latest tit-for-tat
May 16, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney on Tuesday asked a state judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a governing board appointed by Gov.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — More than 74 million visitors came to the Orlando, Florida, area last year, a benchmark just short of pre-pandemic levels, tourism officials said Thursday.
The number of tourists was 25% greater than it was in 2021, when central Florida was still recovering from the blows to tourism caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted international travel and caused convention cancellations.
NBA Most Improved Player Winners
April 24, 2023 GMT2023 — Lauri Markkanen, Utah
Gov. DeSantis surrogates escalate tit-for-tat versus Disney
April 12, 2023 GMTFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointees to Disney World's governing board have launched a fresh salvo in the fight to control the resort, seeking to expand their authority after their Disney-controlled predecessors abdicated most powers to the company.
Police: Wizards’ Bradley Beal faces possible battery charge
March 30, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal is facing a possible misdemeanor charge in central Florida after a fan accused the NBA All-Star of hitting him during an argument after a game against the Orlando Magic.
Residents of historically Black town sue to stop land sale
March 28, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — One of the first historically Black towns in the U.S. is suing the local school board to stop the sale of land that is tied up with Florida's legacy of racial segregation decades ago and the state's fast-paced growth nowadays.
No. 1 Alabama readies for NCAA Tournament “home” game
March 15, 2023 GMTBIRMINGHAM, Ala, (AP) — Alabama has the No. 1 overall NCAA Tournament seed, one of the best players in college basketball and likely a couple of games in its own backyard.
For a Crimson Tide team that’s been an easy target for opposing fans over the past two months, playing less than an hour from campus is no small matter.
Workers dismantle Florida ride where teen fell to death
March 15, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Almost a year after a Missouri teen fell to his death, a 400-foot (122 meter) amusement ride was being dismantled this week in central Florida’s tourism corridor.
Universal theme parks division gets new name in rebranding
March 8, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The theme park parent company of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is getting a new name.
Officials at Universal Parks & Resorts said Wednesday the division of Comcast NBCUniversal was changing its name to Universal Destinations & Experiences to better reflect the breadth of its offerings in Orlando, Florida, Southern California, Japan, China and other locations.
Utah takes on Orlando on 4-game slide
March 8, 2023 GMTUtah Jazz (31-35, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (27-39, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Utah is looking to break its four-game losing streak with a win against Orlando.
Bucks won’t have Antetokounmpo, Holiday against Magic
March 7, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks won’t have either of their two 2023 All-Stars available for their game Tuesday night at Orlando.
Milwaukee's injury report for the game lists two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday as unavailable.
Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee set for matchup with Orlando
March 6, 2023 GMTMilwaukee Bucks (46-18, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (27-38, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks visit the Orlando Magic.
Hendricks’ 25 lead UCF over East Carolina 84-58
March 5, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Taylor Hendricks' 25 points helped UCF defeat East Carolina 84-58 on Sunday.
Hendricks also added 10 rebounds for the Knights (17-13, 8-10 American Athletic Conference). Ithiel Horton scored 19 points while going 7 of 11 (5 for 8 from distance) and added five rebounds.
Cincinnati, Orlando City play to scoreless draw
March 5, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and FC Cincinnati's Roman Celentano both posted clean sheets in a scoreless draw on Saturday night.
Gallese made four saves for Orlando City (1-0-1), while Celentano stopped one shot for Cincinnati (1-0-1).
Lillard and the Trail Blazers take on the Magic
March 4, 2023 GMTPortland Trail Blazers (29-34, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (27-37, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Sunday, 6 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Damian Lillard leads Portland into a matchup with Orlando.
Records show suspect in TV attack had many juvenile arrests
March 3, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A 19-year-old suspect charged in last week's fatal shootings of a TV reporter, a 9-year-old girl and a woman was arrested at age 15 for battering a high school student during an armed robbery, according to police reports released Friday through a public records request.
Jon Rahm has big finish for 65 and the lead at Bay Hill
March 3, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Jon Rahm started his round strong and ended it even better Thursday, closing eagle-birdie-birdie for a 7-under 65 and a two-shot lead in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Not even the brute test of Bay Hill was a match for golf's hottest player.
DeSantis takes aim at prosecutor after TV crew attack
March 2, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Fresh off removing one Democratic prosecutor, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is eyeing another over how she handled cases involving a suspect charged with fatally shooting a TV reporter, a 9-year-old girl and a woman last week.
Spirit flight diverted after battery fire in overhead bin
March 2, 2023 GMTJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A Spirit Airlines flight from Dallas to Orlando was diverted to an airport in Jacksonville, Florida, after a battery from a passenger's item caught fire in an overhead bin, airline officials said.
Suspect in Florida TV crew attack faces more murder charges
February 28, 2023 GMTFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A 19-year-old Florida man is now facing three first-degree-murder charges related to a shooting last week that killed a television news reporter, a 9-year-old girl and a 38-year-old woman, sheriff's officials said Tuesday.
Banchero scores 29, Magic top Pelicans 101-93
February 28, 2023 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Paolo Banchero capped a 29-point performance with three clutch mid-range jumpers in the closing minutes, and the Orlando Magic defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 101-93 on Monday night.
Torres, Gallese lead Orlando City over Red Bulls 1-0
February 26, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Facundo Torres scored a penalty-kick goal and Pedro Gallese made five saves to lead Orlando City to a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls in a season opener on Saturday.
Torres’ game-winner came in the 56th minute after a foul on the Red Bulls' Sean Nealis.
Turner, Haliburton help Pacers rally past Magic 121-108
February 26, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Myles Turner scored 24 points, Tyrese Haliburton had 15 points and 14 assists and the Indiana Pacers ran away from the Orlando Magic in the second half for a 121-108 victory on Saturday night.
Young gymnast among 3 killed in shootings near Orlando
February 25, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — At age 9, T'yonna Major excelled at her school work and in gymnastics, shown flexing her arms after competitions with newly won medals around her neck in photos her proud dad posted on social media.
Wendell Carter beats buzzer with tip-in, Magic beat Pistons
February 24, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Wendell Carter Jr. tipped in Paolo Banchero's missed layup at the buzzer to give the Orlando Magic a 108-106 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.
Franz Wagner led Orlando with 21 points, and Carter controlled the boards in the fourth quarter, finishing with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
Orlando City and the New York Red Bulls meet for season opener
February 24, 2023 GMTNew York Red Bulls vs. Orlando City SC
Orlando, Florida; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EST
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLS LINE: Orlando City SC +135, New York +201, Draw +225; over/under is 2.5 goals
Police: ‘Random’ shootings leave woman, child, reporter dead
February 24, 2023 GMTA man riding in a car with his cousin shot and killed another passenger then returned to the same neighborhood near Orlando hours later and shot four more people, killing a journalist covering the original shooting and a 9-year-old girl, Florida police and witnesses said.
TV reporter, 9-year-old girl fatally shot in Florida, authorities say
February 23, 2023 GMTA central Florida television journalist and a little girl were fatally shot Wednesday afternoon near the scene of a fatal shooting from earlier in the day, authorities said.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina said during a news conference that they’ve detained Keith Melvin Moses, 19, who they believe is responsible for both shootings in the Orlando-area neighborhood.
Detroit visits Orlando on 4-game road slide
February 22, 2023 GMTDetroit Pistons (15-44, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (24-35, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Magic -6.5; over/under is 229
Florida plant nursery fire sends flames, smoke into sky
February 16, 2023 GMTKISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — A massive fire broke out early Thursday at a nursery in central Florida, burning thousands of plastic pots that sent flames and plumes of thick, black smoke into the air.
Canada women prepare for SheBelieves amid labor dispute
February 15, 2023 GMTCanada women's national team coach Bev Priestman says the dispute between her players and the Canadian federation is weighing on the team as it prepares for its opening match of the SheBelieves Cup against the United States on Thursday.
Banchero, Wagner, Fultz lead Magic over Bulls 100-91
February 14, 2023 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — The Orlando Magic were sailing along with what appeared to be a comfortable lead before things tightened up in the closing minutes.
Just when it looked like they might be in trouble, they regrouped and found a way to pull out a win over Chicago.
Butler, Heat to visit Banchero, Magic
February 11, 2023 GMTMiami Heat (31-25, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (23-33, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Magic -1.5
Gencor: Fiscal Q1 Earnings Snapshot
February 10, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Gencor Industries Inc. (GENC) on Friday reported fiscal first-quarter net income of $3.5 million, after reporting a loss in the same period a year earlier.
Orlando’s subs lead the way in win over West-leading Denver
February 10, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Reserves Cole Anthony and Bol Bol each scored 17 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 115-104 win over the Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.
Peltz, citing changes at Disney, ends push for seat on board
February 9, 2023 GMTActivist investor Nelson Peltz has called off a proxy fight with Disney one day after newly returned CEO Bob Iger announced a major restructuring of the company that includes thousands of job cuts.
National Retail Properties: Q4 Earnings Snapshot
February 9, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — National Retail Properties (NNN) on Thursday reported a key measure of profitability in its fourth quarter. The results topped Wall Street expectations.
The real estate investment trust, based in Orlando, Florida, said it had funds from operations of $145.1 million, or 81 cents per share, in the period.
US men’s team to play El Salvador in Florida on March 24
February 8, 2023 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — The United States men's team will play a CONCACAF Nations League match against El Salvador at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on March 24.
The 13th-ranked Americans report to the Orlando area on March 19 and 20, then play at No.
Denver visits Orlando on 3-game road skid
February 8, 2023 GMTDenver Nuggets (38-17, first in the Western Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (22-33, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Denver hits the road against Orlando looking to end its three-game road slide.
Brunson scores 25, late basket lifts Knicks over Magic
February 8, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 25 points and made the go-ahead basket with 1:13 left, Julius Randle had 22 points and 14 rebounds and the New York Knicks beat the Orlando Magic 102-98 Tuesday night.
Randle and the Knicks visit conference foe Orlando
February 6, 2023 GMTNew York Knicks (29-26, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (22-32, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Julius Randle and the New York Knicks visit Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.
Knicks rally from 21 points down, beat 76ers 108-97
February 6, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Julius Randle had 24 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, Jalen Brunson scored 21 points and the New York Knicks overcame an early 21-point deficit to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-97 on Sunday night.
Disney World unions vote down offer covering 45,000 workers
February 4, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Union members voted down a contract proposal covering tens of thousands of Walt Disney World service workers, saying it didn't go far enough toward helping employees face cost-of-living hikes in housing and other expenses in central Florida.
Magic beat Wolves 127-120 after fight, 5 players ejected
February 4, 2023 GMTMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Cole Anthony had 20 points and fellow reserve Moritz Wagner scored 19 as Orlando’s bench propelled the Magic to a 127-120 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves that included a fight between the teams and five player ejections Friday night.
Banchero, Magic rally from early hole, beat 76ers 119-109
January 31, 2023 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Paolo Banchero had 29 points and 10 rebounds as the Orlando Magic stormed back from a 21-point first-quarter deficit to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 119-109 on Monday night.
Mo Wagner scored 22 points and his younger brother Franz Wagner scored 19 for the Magic, who stopped a three-game skid and ended the Sixers' seven-game winning streak.
Orlando takes on Chicago, looks for 4th straight home win
January 28, 2023 GMTChicago Bulls (22-26, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (19-30, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Magic -2.5; over/under is 231
Banchero, Harris lead Magic to 126-120 win over Pacers
January 26, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Paolo Banchero scored 23 points and Garry Harris made all six of his 3-point shots and added 22 points as the Orlando Magic held off a late rally to beat the Indiana Pacers 126-120 on Wednesday night.
Indiana plays Orlando on 7-game road slide
January 25, 2023 GMTIndiana Pacers (24-25, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (18-29, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Magic -4.5; over/under is 233
Brooke Henderson goes wire-to-wire at LPGA season opener
January 22, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Brooke Henderson sets a goal of winning multiple LPGA Tour titles at the outset of each season. She didn't wait long to collect her first trophy of 2023.
Henderson was dominant throughout and delivered a 2-under 70 on Sunday at Lake Nona to complete a wire-to-wire victory in the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Hachimura discusses trade speculation after 30-point night
January 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Rui Hachimura doesn't seem too disturbed by the idea he could be traded.
“I just want to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball player, and I want to be somewhere that likes my game," the Washington Wizards forward said Saturday night.
Henderson’s torrid start sparks 4-shot lead at LPGA opener
January 21, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — One of Brooke Henderson’s goals heading into the newly minted LPGA season was to get herself into contention more often. The Canadian is off to a strong start, building a four-shot lead Friday in the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Wagner, Anthony lead Magic over Pelicans 123-110
January 21, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Franz Wagner had 30 points and nine assists, Cole Anthony scored 22 off the bench and the Orlando Magic beat the New Orleans Pelicans 123-110 on Friday night.
UCF player dismissed from team after home invasion arrest
January 20, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — University of Central Florida defensive back Justin Hodges has been dismissed from the team following his arrest on a charge of home invasion robbery with a firearm and a mask.
Denver faces Orlando, aims for 13th straight home win
January 14, 2023 GMTOrlando Magic (16-27, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (29-13, first in the Western Conference)
Denver; Sunday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Denver will try to keep its 12-game home win streak alive when the Nuggets face Orlando.
Fans get Bolsonaro autographs as ex-leader rests in Florida
January 13, 2023 GMTKISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — A couple dozen fans scored autographs from Jair Bolsonaro on Friday, but the controversial former Brazilian president didn’t emerge to greet them after a stint in the hospital earlier this week.
Universal to open theme park in Texas for young kids
January 12, 2023 GMTFRISCO, Texas (AP) — Universal Parks & Resorts is bringing a theme park to Texas that will focus on entertaining young children, officials announced Wednesday.
The “one-of-a-kind” park in the Dallas suburb of Frisco will include attractions, interactive shows and opportunities for meet-and-greets with characters, the company said in a news release.
Disney tries to bring back the magic, unveils park changes
January 11, 2023 GMTThe Walt Disney Co. is making several changes at its domestic theme parks, including some easier reservations, in order to improve the public perception of its business.
Among the changes: it will cease charging for overnight self-parking at its Walt Disney World resorts; Walt Disney World annual passholders will be able to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m.