Here is a link about the spider.
Robin

Here is a link that might be useful: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/argiope/a._aurantia$narrative.html

Thanks for the information Robin. It helps to know and understand the animal more better with information like this.

Another possiblity, and maybe even more likely in your location, is the Golden Silk spider. They are extremely common where you are. Here's a picture, don't scream too loud!

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1246529}}

We were at a state park last weekend & the Golden Silk spiders were everywhere (also commonly called Banana Spiders). The park information sheets said that they are not poisonous. I see them outside the house every once in a while too.

Hi Tab,
Check the Alabama Line. We had quite a discussion about them. I learned that if you sort of knock some of the web away the spider will move its web on up higher out of your way. That way both he and you will be happier. Wanna B.

My husband is a science teacher and I have had to let 3 of these whoppers live on my porch this summer. Have you seen the boy ones? Look closely at the web and you will see a teeny little ordinary spider. That's him! Right now I have several egg sacks that I plan on moving when the last female croaks! People that came to visit and didn't know us probably thought we were akin to the Addams Family! At least I didn't get any salesmen!

I call them bananna spiders. They wont hurt you even though walking into the webs and having one walk across your face will test your nerves. I got use to it.
Look for a dew drenched web early in the morning with the rising sun light shining through will make you have a little more respect for them.
Lynn

This is not at all funny,however, at this moment I'm imagining my friend who recently moved to Florida coming in contact with one of these things! If they're truely 3-4 inches big, I just can imagine her reaction and it isn't a pretty sight. She almost drove us into the Delaware river because of a tiny white spider on the outside of the car. I honestly pray that she never sees any around her house.