James Bowling

Thank you for following along on my coverage of local government in Athens-Clarke County. This opportunity has granted me the chance to hear and learn from the likes of Mayor Kelly Girtz to Judge Lawton E. Stephens, and it's all featured in my portfolio. ctlsites.uga.edu/rp-jamesbowlin…

One of my favorite stories from this semester was my coverage of Athens #Porchfest 2023. I was able to speak with Mayor @kellygirtz and get his insight on the event. This story is available for your viewing following the link below. ctlsites.uga.edu/rp-jamesbowlin…

This semester is winding down and Reporting I has concluded. That being said, I would like to share my digital portfolio with you. I am very proud of this compilation of work, and I hope that you will take a look into some of my favorite pieces. Enjoy! ctlsites.uga.edu/rp-jamesbowlin…

Fundraising for the arena will partially come from SPLOST revenue, as well as private funding. The final cost of the Classic Center Arena will be $145 to $150 million, according to @kellygirtz.

**Correction: Classic Center Arena

“This is really bringing up a whole new world of possibilities.” Mayor Girtz discusses the economic impact that the Classic City Arena will bring to Athens. He noted an expected annual $33 million impact, as well as 600 new part-time & full-time jobs created. #ClassicCityArena

Construction of the Classic Center Arena is expected to complete in August 2024. At the news conference, concerns are being raised on reaching that completion date on time. Girtz responds, “If it’s not August 1, I expect it to be closely thereafter.”

Today I am at the UGA Fine Arts Building reporting on Mayor @kellygirtz news conference. He’s discussing the construction of the Classic City Arena, and the opportunities the new venue will bring to the city of Athens.

Yesterday at #Porchfest2023, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mayor @kellygirtz Our discussion included the benefits of bringing the Athens community together for this event, as well as any precautions he was taking for hosting his own porch on Sunday. #AthensClarkeCounty

Thanks for following alongside my coverage of Porchfest today. The performances will continue through the rest of the evening until 8:00 p.m. #Porchfest2023 #AthensClarkeCounty

Mayor @kellygirtz highlighted that Dana Siegmund, a member Eddie Halfway, is a fellow colleague of his - as well as an @UGAGrady alum. The mayor was open to interacting with the community at #Porchfest2023, listening to the performances and answering questions from reporters.

Many shows across the festival promoted merchandise, as well as schedules for upcoming shows. Here is one of Eddie Halfway’s, also known as Eddie Halfass, stickers made available to Porchfest attendees.

Performances for Porchfest span from Hawthorne Ave. to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy. Local neighborhoods hosting the festival include Pulaski Heights, Buena Vista Heights, Boulevard, Newtown, Cobbham, Reese Hancock, and Normaltown.

Mayor @kellygirtz introduces porch performers, Eddie Halfway. This is Mayor Girtz’s first year volunteering his own home for Porchfest. #Porchfest2023 #AthensClarkeCounty

I interviewed @kellygirtz outside of his Pulaski Heights home regarding his reasoning behind hosting his own porch. “You know, there was a partial eclipse yesterday, and I feel like this is a similar astronomical event that you are about to witness today,” said Mayor Girtz.

Over 200 artists are performing at #Porchfest2023 this year, an increase from approximately 160 performers last year. Admission is free to the public.

A crowd gathers on Hendrix Ave. to hear from a local hip-hop artist and his DJ. Uniqe announced the release of his latest album “Pretty Boys Driving Beautiful Cars”, featuring eleven original tracks. #Porchfest2023

Several local businesses, including Cafe Racer, are sponsoring Porchfest this year. @AthensCooks is sponsoring Pulaski Heights, one of the seven historic neighborhoods hosting Porchfest this year. #Porchfest2023

The @HistoricAthens annual Porchfest event kicked off today at noon. I just arrived at my first porch of the day - 152 Hendrix Avenue - where local rapper by the title of Uniqe will be performing. Follow along for more updates from the festival. #Porchfest2023

I will be covering Historic Athens' fifth annual Porchfest event this Sunday, Oct. 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Over 200 local artists will perform throughout seven of Athens' neighborhoods. Admission is free, thanks to Cafe Racer sponsoring the event. visitathensga.com/event/historic…