Probably that same type spider you've seen.
That is a female Argiope aurantia, I know it by the common name Yellow Garden Spider. Since it ranges from Southern Canada down into Central America, I'd say that it must be what you know as a Banana Spider.
When I took these photos, it was a cool day in North Central Texas and the spider was trying to warm up on a South facing wall. She never moved while I hovered over her with my SD14, though I did check afterwards that she was alive.
I have seen these guys weave huge orb webs.