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The Kingsport Aquatic Center will undergo $1.5 million in infrastructure upgrades and guest improvements beginning next month – a project aimed to secure the long-term future success of the facility.
As such, the Indoor Pools will close September 5th to be drained prior to the improvement project beginning.
The Outdoor Water Park will remain open through Labor Day (September 7) and then close for the improvement project. Locker rooms will not be available during the shutdown.
The Outdoor Lap Pool will be open 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday during the shutdown (except September 14). This schedule is subject to change and will be reevaluated weekly.
Southern Watershapes Inc., will be performing this improvement project for the city, which will include the following:
- Five pools will receive new plaster, updated tile, edge treatments, guttering improvements and new filtration components.
- Pump room upgrades will include replacement and updates to chlorine lines and related mechanical components.
- All main drains throughout the facility will receive new compliant drain covers.
- Indoor slide will receive a new gel coat finish and updated structural paint.
- Indoor splash pad spray features will receive updates and improvements.
- Outdoor leisure pool and play structure will receive updated paint and new plexiglass components.
“All of these improvements are designed to enhance the guest experience while also protecting and extending the life of the facility’s infrastructure,” said Aquatic Center Manager Wendy Terrazas. “Our goal with this project is to minimize disruption to our users while continuing to uphold the high standards of our facility for years to come.”
For more information about the Kingsport Aquatic Center, please visit www.swimkingsport.com.
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The Kingsport Fire Department responded to more than 8,200 incidents last year, with roughly 77% of the call being medical related. The department increased its response time in 2025 by nearly one minute year over year and completed more than 30,000 hours of training across all divisions.
These were just some of the noteworthy statistics found in this year’s annual report by the Kingsport Fire Department.
The KFD recently issued its annual report, which provides a brief history of the department, the highlights and major accomplishments of the previous year, along with the short term and long term goals of the department.
According to the annual report, firefighters responded to more than 8,200 incidents during 2025 with just over 5,700 being medical related. The report shows the number of structure fires and vehicle fires both dropped last year, the average response time improved by a minute and one fire related death occurred in the city during 2025.
Kingsport Fire Chief Jerry DeBerry said the department made significant strides in advancing its mission of service excellence and customer-focused interactions.
“A strong emphasis was put on training, and more specifically, fundamentals of firefighting to ensure our members are prepared for any emergency they may face,” DeBerry said. “Moving into 2026 and beyond we’re focusing on long-term sustainability with equipment, apparatus and facilities, so we’re positioned to be a leader in the arena of emergency services.”
Major achievements by the KFD in 2025:
- Additional equipment and personnel added to Truck 1
- Former HazMat unit activated for Technical Rescue Team.
- Fire Station 1 admin offices & fire marshal’s office remodeled
- Construction started on new live fire training building
- Completed Citizens Fire Academy for 2025
- Continued large scale tabletop drills for school incidents.
Statistical information:
- Firefighters responded to 8,268 incidents.
- Number of structure fires – 46 (loss of $2.2 million)
- Number of vehicle fires – 29 (loss of $165,650)
- Number of medical calls – 5,756
- Number of fire related deaths – 1
- Number of inspections – 2,409
- Average response time – 8:39
- Total fire loss – approximately $3.38 million
- Hours of training completed – More than 30,000
More than 60,000 adults and children participated in Community Risk Reduction presentations and activities. The KFD inspected and consulted on 273 child passenger seats and instructed them in the proper installation.
Kingsport is one of 32 communities across the state that enjoys an ISO rating of 2 and 2Y. Only seven communities in Tennessee have an ISO rating of 1. The Kingsport Fire Department has 118 personnel working in eight fire stations, serving a population of more than 57,500 residents living within 53 square miles.
To view the entire annual report, please visit https://bit.ly/3RVnudS.
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Kingsport Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce Toddler Time – a program aimed at motivating young children to play, explore and socialize with other children in a safe environment.
Toddler Time sessions will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Thursday through November 26 at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street). This free program is for children ages 5 and under.
“Playing with other children is fundamental to a child’s development and it provides essential building blocks for their future success,” said Program Administrator Erin Larkin. “We’re encouraging families to drop in on Thursdays so their toddlers can enjoy a variety of age-appropriate toys, activities and open play opportunities.”
To register, please visit https://bit.ly/4wykx1t. You can also register by clicking on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or by going to www.kingsporttn.gov and clicking on the “CivicRec” link, then searching for “toddler time” in the search bar.
For information about other events, activities and programs offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
SUBJECT: KPD Searching for Runaway Juvenile
DATE: August 14, 2026
CASE #: 26-010923
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 17-year-old Synteesha Bellamy, who is believed to have left voluntarily from an address on Westmoreland Avenue and was last seen on F Street in Kingsport. Synteesha is about 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. She has tattoos on her hands and legs. Synteesha has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a runaway juvenile.
If you have information that may help locate Synteesha, please contact Kingsport Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111 or the Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 229-9429.
Alternatively, if an individual who can provide information to this or any case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us
MISSING PERSON INFORMATION
Name – Synteesha Bellamy
Age – 17
Gender/Race – Female/Black
Height/Weight – 5’03″/130lbs
Residency – Kingsport, TN
Other Details – Last seen wearing a black, short sleeve shirt, shorts, and white socks. Has tattoos on her hands and legs.
Last Known Location – F Street, Kingsport, TN
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Arnold
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749
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The City of Kingsport Utilities Department, in partnership with the Kingsport Fire Department, is inspecting and testing every publicly owned fire hydrant throughout the city.
HydroMax USA will inspect each fire hydrant, determining its fire flow, GPS location and isolation valve operability. Hydrants will be repainted silver, with the bonnets color-coded to meet Kingsport Fire Department regulations.
Testing began in early August, and the contractor has 270 days to complete the project. HydroMax employees will work Monday thru Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weather permitting.
“This project will help ensure Kingsport’s fire hydrants are ready when they are needed most,” said Kingsport Utilities Director Niki Ensor. “By testing and inspecting every public hydrant, the city will be able to identify and address maintenance needs, improve fire protection and ensure reliable water service during emergencies.”
During the project, there will be disturbances in the water distribution system as sections are flow-tested to their maximum capacity. Residents may notice temporary cloudiness in their water. Please note that this will be temporary, and the water mains will clear rapidly once testing is completed.
If you experience cloudy water, turn on the cold water tap and allow the water to run to flush the line. If the cloudiness continues, please call 423-229-9454 during regular business hours or 423-246-9111 after 3:30 p.m. to report the issue.
If you have specific issues or concerns, please call the above listed phone number or email wsengineers@kingsporttn.gov, reference the Hydrant Assessment Project and ask for the utility engineer managing the project.
The project is funded through an Asset Management Plan grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).