30A BBQ Fest Breaks Record for The Sonder Project!
The fifth edition of the 30A BBQ Festival, presented by 360 Blue, raised a record-breaking $103,228 for The Sonder Project.
The sold-out, annual event in November at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®, featured 14 regional and local restaurants and catering companies, each competing for the title of “Best BBQ” chosen by the 800 guests in attendance. Participants included 3 Sons BBQ, Back Beach Barbecue, Camp Creek Inn, Cinders and Salt, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Evie Mae’s Barbecue, Harry T’s, Local Smoke at The Big Chill, Marrow Private Chefs, The Perfect Pig, Sons of Amvets Post 29, Swiftly Catered, Uncle KU’s BarbeKU, and Vin’tij Food and Wine.
Winners:
1st Place People’s Choice Award: Evie Mae’s Pit BBQ
2nd Place People’s Choice Award: Uncle KU’s BarbeKU
3rd Place People’s Choice Award: Vin’tij Food and Wine
Judge’s Choice Award: 3 Sons Bar-B-Q
“It was great to see the different styles and flair of each participant,’ said Chad Zibelman, CEO of The Sonder Project. “We had everything from pulled pork and brisket, to smoked s’mores and sliders. It was a melting pot of the best barbecue around and we’re so grateful to each of our vendors for donating their time and food to be a part of this year’s festival. They are all winners in our book!”
Chef Jim Richard Honored as Hwy. 331 Person of the Year
As the inaugural Hwy. 331 Person of the Year, Chef Jim Richard has redefined what it means to be a leader by blending culinary artistry with a passion for fostering cultural connections.
The visionary behind Stinky’s Fish Camp, Stinky’s Bait Shack and Red Fish Taco, Jim has built a thriving ecosystem where chefs, fishermen, and musicians converge to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Walton County life.
For more than a decade, Stinky’s has hosted its renowned spring and fall fishing tournaments, which draw anglers of all skill levels for camaraderie and connection. These tournaments also raise funds for the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA), an organization Jim helped found. SWARA’s mission is to build and maintain artificial reefs along Walton County’s coastline, fostering marine habitats and enhancing recreational opportunities.
Among Jim’s many contributions to the community, the annual SwampWriter Music Festival at Stinky’s Bait Shack is held every January over Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend. It’s a five-day, free festival—a saltwater-soaked celebration of local and regional musical talent.
Now entering its 15th year, the SwampWriter Music Festival, happening January 16–20, 2025, captures the spirit of “Old School 30A,” offering an accessible and authentic experience for music lovers. More than a dozen musicians perform on the iconic stage at Stinky’s Bait Shack, a venue that blends the charm of a dive bar with the soul of a music hall.
Jim and his team at Red Fish Taco also host an intimate listening room for the 30a Songwriter’s Fest to support the CAA’s mission of fostering artistic expression along Florida’s Emerald Coast.
We have whales in the Gulf of Mexico?
Yes! From sperm whales and killer whales to Rice’s whales—one of the most endangered whales on earth—these magnificent creatures play a vital role in the Gulf’s ecosystem. Sponsored by the Choctawhatchee Audubon Society, join Christian Wagley, coastal organizer for Healthy Gulf, to learn about the fascinating story of the Rice’s whale, its critical habitat and its connection to open ocean birds and fish. The program will be held Jan. 2??? in Room 800 on the 2nd floor of the Chandler Center (NW door of 519 Helms St.) at Crosspoint Church Niceville. Socializing begins at 6:30 p.m.— program starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free; event is open to the public.
Okaloosa County School Superintendent, Marcus Chambers, Makes Generous ECCAC Donation
Demonstrating his commitment to being a good steward for the community, Marcus Chambers, Okaloosa County School Superintendent, recently donated $25,000 from his unused campaign funds to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC). The donation will greatly benefit ECCAC’s vital programs, such as the Safety Matters prevention program which teaches children in local schools how to recognize and respond to unsafe situations.
Chambers shared with the ECCAC staff, “Investing in the ECCAC is an investment in our community’s future. Their transformative mission is to heal and support traumatized children, restore lost innocence, and instill hope. Together, we can make a profound difference, ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and understood.”
