Blending Culinary Expertise with Cultural Harmony

By Kerri Parker

In Walton County, where white sand beaches meet tranquil dune lakes and the salty breeze carries the rhythm of waves, Chef Jim Richard stands as a beacon of community and creativity. As the inaugural HWY 331 Person of the Year, Jim has set the standard for what it means to lead with vision, passion, and a deep love for Walton County. The owner and visionary behind Stinky’s Fish Camp, Stinky’s Bait Shack, and Red Fish Taco, Jim has done more than craft extraordinary dining experiences—he has cultivated a thriving ecosystem where chefs, fishermen, and musicians come together to celebrate the rich tapestry of Walton County life.

A Louisiana native steeped in the traditions of soulful cuisine, Jim brought his culinary mastery to Walton County and blended it seamlessly with a deep appreciation for its natural beauty and creative spirit. Jim and his dedicated team understand that the heart of any great community beats to a rhythm of shared experiences.

Where Chefs, Fishermen, and Musicians Converge

Jim  has spent years fostering relationships that extend far beyond the walls of his restaurants. Fishermen, chefs, and musicians aren’t just collaborators—they’re family. Through some of Walton County’s longest-running fishing tournaments, Jim has brought anglers together to celebrate their craft while making a lasting impact on the community.

For more than a decade, Stinky’s has hosted spring and fall fishing tournaments, events that locals and visitors alike look forward to every year. These tournaments aren’t just about competition—they’re about connection. They provide a reason for anglers of all skill levels to gather, share stories, and revel in the camaraderie that comes with fishing.

But these events also serve a greater purpose. The fishing tournaments double as fundraisers for the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA), a not-for-profit organization that Jim helped found. SWARA is dedicated to building and maintaining artificial reefs along Walton County’s coastline, fostering marine life habitats, and enhancing recreational fishing and diving opportunities

SwampWriters: A Festival of Soul, Sand, and Song

Among his many contributions to Walton County’s vibrant culture, the SwampWriter Music Festival stands out as a testament to his creativity, humor, and unshakable support for the arts. Playfully named but profoundly impactful, the SwampWriter Music Festival is Jim’s heartfelt gift to the region’s music lovers—a free, five-day celebration of local and regional talent that returns each January to the iconic Stinky’s Bait Shack on 30A – over Martin Luther King Weekend. 

The festival, now entering its 15th year, runs parallel to the prestigious Cultural Arts Alliance Songwriters Festival, but don’t let its tongue-in-cheek name fool you. The SwampWriter Music Festival is every bit as soulful as its counterpart, offering a laid-back, saltwater-soaked vibe that’s pure “Old School” 30A in Walton County. It’s Jim’s way of keeping things authentic, accessible, and downright fun—because if there’s one thing Jim believes, it’s that music should bring people together.

A Stage Like No Other

Stinky’s Bait Shack, the festival’s home, is a venue like no other. Equal parts dive bar, music hall, and coastal hangout, it embodies the spirit of Walton County’s creative community. During the SwampWriter Music Festival, the stage transforms into a revolving door of talent, with more than a dozen musicians performing over five days. Local legends and regional favorites alike take their turns, weaving melodies within the funky little shack. SwampWriters is entirely free and open to the public.

A Partner in the Arts: Red Fish Taco and the 30A Songwriters Festival

While the Swamp Writer Music Festival showcases Jim Richard’s playful spirit and commitment to local talent, his support for the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) and its renowned 30A Songwriters Festival reveals another side of his passion for the arts. Each year, Jim and his team open the doors of Red Fish Taco, a vibrant Blue Mountain Beach restaurant, as an official venue for the festival.

During the Songwriters Festival, Red Fish Taco transforms into an intimate listening room where audiences can connect deeply with the stories behind the songs. This collaboration not only amplifies the festival’s reach but also underscores Jim’s commitment to supporting the CAA’s mission of fostering artistic expression along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

A Legacy of Connection

So, whether you’re drawn to the stories told in the songs, the laughter shared between sets, or the sense of belonging that fills the air, one thing is certain: when the Swamp Writer Music Festival returns to Stinky’s Bait Shack this January, it won’t just be a celebration of music. It will be a celebration of everything Jim Richard has helped build—a community that hums with connection, thrives on creativity, and lives for moments like these.

Both music festivals’ full schedules will be revealed in the next few weeks. Stay tuned and mark your calendars for Martin Luther King Weekend, January 16th through 20th. 

Connect with Chef Jim Richard on the HWY 331 Podcast

On the next episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, Chef Jim Richard shares more details about SwampWriters Music Festival and his role in weaving an enduring culture of sharing all the good in our community. Subscribe on your favorite streaming platform and get notified when the episode drops.