 South Kitsap Quarterly Newsletter - Summer 2026 Edition
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to summer, everyone.
As we enjoy the warmer weather and recreation that this season brings, we celebrate the 250th birthday of America and the values that bring us together as a nation and in our community. It's an opportunity to reflect back on our history and the triumph of the American spirit as we face challenges for our citizens in South Kitsap.
While we face the challenge of managing growth, budget restraints, and maintaining safety in our neighborhoods, I continue to be hopeful and confident in finding the right solutions. I hear the concerns of many across our district and know that there are difficult decisions to make. This is a time of change, but I believe we can make it a positive one and serve our communities in a more efficient manner.
The American spirit is strong in South Kitsap. You speak up for your rights, your communities, schools, businesses, and each other. It is my honor to continue to serve you and work towards the best we can be. While there are things we can't control, we can do what's right for our residents and move forward with integrity.
We hold dear the foundational American principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We remain focused on public safety, critical infrastructure, the protection of private property rights, and supporting local businesses as key economic drivers in our district and across the county.
No matter your background, religious or political affiliation, we are all Americans working together, striving for success so that our future generations can enjoy a healthy, prosperous, and environmentally friendly future.
Thank you for being part of our community and for the role you play in shaping its future.
"We are South Kitsap – working together for a better, more unified future."
Your Servant Leader,
Oran
Kitsap County Commissioner, District 2 (South Kitsap)
Public Safety Updates
The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners has appointed Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Chief of Corrections Penelope Sapp to serve as Acting Sheriff upon the retirement of Sheriff John Gese. Chief Sapp will serve in this temporary role until county procedures designate an interim sheriff.
Under Washington state law, the Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee is responsible for identifying and nominating three candidates to fill the interim sheriff vacancy. The Board of Commissioners interviewed three candidates on July 14, and plans to appoint the Interim Sheriff no later than August 29 to serve the remainder of the unexpired term until certification of the November 2026 election. Voters will elect the next Kitsap County Sheriff during the November 2026 general election.
While the statutory appointment process moves forward, the Board has named Chief Sapp as Acting Sheriff to support the daily operations of the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.
KCSO Chief of Corrections Penelope Sapp serving as Acting Sheriff
Chief Sapp has served as Chief of Corrections since May 2021. Prior to that she served in various positions with KCSO since 2002. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University in 2007 and a Master's in Justice Administration from Norwich University in 2009. She is currently completing her dissertation for a Doctor of Philosophy in Law and Public Policy at Walden University. She was selected as "Corrections Officer of the Year" in 2004 and has received numerous awards, including a "Distinguished and Devoted Service Award" in 2017.
Public Safety Funding Budget Community Meetings Held in June
Last month, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners hosted three community meetings on the County Budget and Public Safety Funding. Commissioners from the North, Central, and South Districts, Kitsap County Sheriff, and Prosecutor shared information about County budget shortfalls and funding options.
Thank you to all that came out in person to share your input on the best way to serve our residents. There is still an opportunity to learn about the budget shortfall and proposed solutions before the budget is adopted in December.
The County's Budget Division is responsible for the compilation and management of the annual County budget. The staff provides financial planning, analysis, and forecasting to the Board of Commissioners, the County Administrator, and all departments and elected offices. View the Budget 101 Presentation to see how the money is organized into different buckets, where it comes from, how it is allocated, and what is different.
Kitsap County departments and offices will present their 2027 budgets during public meetings planned in September (dates and times will be announced later this summer).
Supporting documents for departmental budget submissions will be posted on this webpage. View last year's documents below. Recordings of previous Budget Hearings can be watched on BKAT.
Harper Estuary Restoration Project Update
Construction on the new Harper Estuary Bridge is progressing and expected to be completed on schedule this fall. The new bridge will replace an undersized 3-foot culvert blocking fish passage with a 120-foot span bridge to include pedestrian access to the estuary. The road closure on Olympiad Drive will remain in place through the end of October.
Funding from federal, state, and local partners has been secured to complete the final phase of this effort, which comes after more than 20 years of planning, studies, and community input.
Thank you to the local community for your patience as this long-awaited fish barrier removal project moves toward completion.
More information can be found at the Harper Estuary project webpage and GovDelivery email notifications. Community members are encouraged to subscribe to GovDelivery to receive the latest updates.
Get in-depth look at WSDOT recommendations for SR 3 in Gorst at in-person open house
The public is invited to an in-person open house to learn about Washington State Department of Transportation recommendations for the future of state highways in Gorst. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, people will be able to get information about the study results and next steps.
There is no formal presentation. Attendees are welcome to drop by anytime during the two-hour event. The in-person open house will be at South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard. WSDOT study team members will present recommendations to move forward to a National Environmental Policy Act review.
Public feedback will be incorporated into the final study report. The NEPA review will begin sometime after the study is complete in early 2027.
WSDOT’s State Route 3 Gorst Area Planning and Environmental Linkages Study focuses on improving transportation on SR 3, 16, 166 and 304 in the Gorst area.
SR 3 Gorst area study in-person open house
When: Wednesday, July 22 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: South Kitsap High School Gymnasium, 425 Mitchell Avenue, Port Orchard
Details: Study team members will be available to explain the study, answer questions and take comments. Translators fluent in Spanish and Tagalog will be present.
 Beginning Tuesday, July 14, community members can also visit the online open house to see what options WSDOT studied to decrease congestion in Gorst and create a stronger highway system in the surrounding area. WSDOT will send out a separate announcement as soon as it is live.
Mobility on SR 3 and SR 16 in Gorst is significant for the entire region. Each highway is important for matters of national security. Both state highways are the only land-based route to the Kitsap Peninsula and experience congestion. The key routes are susceptible to liquefaction due to potential earthquakes. There also is the potential for issues related to flooding.
The SR 3 Gorst Planning and Environmental Linkages Study includes meeting with the Federal Highway Administration, tribal nations, specifically the Suquamish and Skokomish Tribes, advisory groups, businesses, and the community.
WSDOT received $82.5 million from Move Ahead Washington funds for the design and right of way phases. There is currently no funding for construction.
Visit the project website for more information and to register for the
study listserv.
Speed Limit Reduction on SE Lund Avenue
The speed limit on a portion of SE Lund Avenue has been reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph, effective immediately.
The reduced speed limit is expected to remain in effect through November 2026 while construction of the Lund Corridor Improvement Project is underway. This temporary speed reduction is intended to improve safety for motorists, construction crews, and the traveling public. Please watch for posted speed limit signs, slow down, and use extra caution when traveling through the work zone.
Thank you for your patience as we work to improve the corridor. For project updates and additional information, visit kcowa.us/lund.
Secure Your Load for Safer Roads
The Kitsap Board of County Commissioners proclaimed June 6, 2026, as Secure Your Load Day in Kitsap County to raise awareness about roadway safety and honor those impacted by unsecured vehicle loads.
Unsecured vehicle loads remain a major safety issue across Washington. In 2025, unsecured loads contributed to 324 crashes and 13 injuries statewide. Debris falling from vehicles also accounts for nearly 40% of roadside litter.
Locally, Kitsap 911 received 430 calls last year reporting debris on county roads, including tires, ladders, lumber, buckets, and loose equipment. Each item reported had the potential to cause a serious collision.
Driving with an unsecured vehicle load is illegal
Washington law requires vehicle loads to be properly secured. Fines for unsecured loads can range from $50 to $5,000, with higher penalties possible if debris causes injury, property damage, or a collision.
Kitsap County waste facilities also charge a $10 unsecured load fee to customers arriving with improperly secured cargo. Since 2023, the County has collected more than $16,000 in unsecured load fees, which helps fund roadside litter cleanup efforts.
See dangerous debris on the road?
Call 911 if you see:
- a dangerous unsecured load while driving.
- something fall off a vehicle that could cause a crash or injure someone.
Explore Long Lake with Read, Roam, Rules
Read, Roam, Rules is your invitation to step into the story of our community—through walks, books, and conversations that connect the dots between where we live, how we grow, and the rules that shape it all.
Get ready to explore Long Lake in a whole new way this July with our Read, Roam, Rules walking experience! This session, we’re diving into a timely topic: how development around lakes affects water quality and overall lake health. With summer lake closures already popping up, there’s no better moment to learn how our local lakes are being impacted.
During our walk at Long Lake on Monday evening, July 20th, you’ll hear from several Kitsap County programs and community partners, including Community Development Planning, Noxious Weeds, Public Works Stormwater, and the Kitsap Public Health District. We’ll also have a live demonstration of water quality testing right at the lake. This is a hands-on, informative, and very local experience you won’t want to miss. Registration is required.
🌧️ Rain or shine, we’ll be out there. Please dress according to the weather.
Walk with us and be a part of the conversation!
📅 Date: July 20, 2026, 5 p.m. -7 p.m.
📍 Meeting Point: Long Lake Park, 5100 Long Lake Road SE, Port Orchard, WA
⏳ Distance: 0.5-1 mile + water quality activity
🎟️ Free & open to all
👉 RSVP now to explore how planning, design, and community vision shape walkable places!
Then, keep the conversation going at our Read, Roam, Rules book workshop on Monday evening, July 27th at the Port Orchard Library. We’re continuing to partner with the Kitsap Regional Library to provide free books for the community—available now at the Port Orchard Library and in the lobby at Kitsap County Community Development, while supplies last. The book is The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan. We encourage participants to register for the workshop as well.
These events are hosted by Kitsap County Community Development - Long Range Planning Division, Noxious Weeds Program, Public Works - Stormwater Division, and Kitsap Public Health District - Pollution Identification & Correction Program.
Givens Community Center to be listed for sale in summer of 2027
The Givens building was built in 1940 and purchased by Kitsap County in 1992.
The Givens Community Center has served some of South Kitsap’s most cherished residents, including our retired senior community as well as our youngest neighbors, for over 30 years.
The building is currently under a temporary certificate of occupancy due to not meeting certain code compliance requirements. Costs to bring the building to minimum compliance are estimated at $3.5 million, while full rehabilitation could run as high as $30 million.
After considering various options, the Board has decided to list the Givens Community Center building in Port Orchard for sale in the summer of 2027.
The decision to sell the building was made after careful consideration of the County's ongoing budget constraints combined with the uncertain costs of restoring an 86-year-old structure.
The Department of Public Works will manage the sale of the Givens building and will execute a detailed relocation plan for the County’s internal services, which is expected to be completed later this year in anticipation of listing the property for sale in summer of 2027.
I'm committed to an open and transparent process that puts the people we serve first and ensures our essential services keep running smoothly.
South Kitsap Regional Park to see upgrades through grant
A grant from the WA Recreation and Conservation Office will help extend playability, increase capacity, improve equitable access to recreation, and reduce maintenance costs at the popular South Kitsap Regional Park. The money will be used to fund design and engineering to convert natural grass fields to synthetic turf and adding lighting for the fields. These upgrades will allow consistent year-round use and more available play hours per day. Following design and engineering in 2026, Kitsap County Parks will move to construction in 2027, and it is estimated that the project will be complete by 2029.
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Bremerton Fan Zone attracts soccer fans from around the world to Quincy Square
When the FIFA World Cup 2026™ arrived, the energy did not stay inside Seattle. The Bremerton Fan Zone watch parties attracted crowds estimated at 1500 sharing in the excitement and energy.
The community is invited to celebrate the Final Match at Bremerton Fan Zone Watch Party of SeattleFWC26 with one last big-screen match, food, music, and community energy at Quincy Square. Don’t miss the grand finale in Downtown Bremerton.
About the event
Fan Zone Watch Party
July 19, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Quincy Square
Winner Match 101 vs. Winner Match 102
Free & Open to Everyone!
*Presented by the Downtown Bremerton Association (DBA)
What To Expect
Join us in Quincy Square for the final match of the 2026 soccer sensation! We'll celebrate the World Cup champions at Bremerton’s Official Fan Zone series with one final community watch party packed with energy, food, music, and big-screen excitement.
Catch the match on the big screen at noon, surrounded by fans, food, and a full Fan Zone experience. DJ Halo will help us get the party started and keep that party going before and after the match.
Suquamish Tribe and U.S. Navy sign historic document to honor Tribal treaty rights while advancing Naval readiness
 On Saturday, June 26, the Suquamish Tribe and the United States Navy commemorated the signing of a historic agreement that recognizes and addresses impacts to the Tribe’s treaty-reserved fishing rights in Sinclair Inlet resulting from a major naval construction project at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton.
The agreement follows years of extensive government-to-government consultation and good-faith negotiations regarding the Navy’s planned 12-year modernization project at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF). The project includes the construction of new dry dock infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft carriers and critical seismic upgrades throughout the facility.
Under the agreement, the U.S. Navy will provide the Suquamish Tribe with funding to compensate Tribal fishers and members for the loss of access to Sinclair Inlet for fishing and cultural purposes. In addition, the U.S. Navy will contribute funding for infrastructure, operations, and educational program improvements at the Gorst Creek Salmon Facility; support the construction of a shellfish hatchery; and assist the Tribe in reacquiring fractionated trust allotments at Doe-Keg-Wats, an ancestral village and site of profound cultural and ecological significance to the Suquamish people.
"This long-anticipated agreement represents a critical step forward for our Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program(SIOP). It successfully balances the protection of our vital National Security infrastructure with the preservation of the Suquamish Tribe's essential Treaty Rights. Furthermore, we deeply honor and recognize the proud, enduring legacy of the individual military service upheld by Suquamish Tribal members."
Statement by Kitsap County Board of Commissioners Chair Oran Root on the Submarine Group 9 Change of Command, July 10, 2026
 "On behalf of the citizens of Kitsap County, it is a profound privilege to mark this significant transition of leadership for Submarine Group 9 and express our community's deep gratitude and enduring support.
First, I want to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Rear Admiral Nash for his exceptional service. Only a select few truly understand what it means to 'run silent' while the rest of us go about our daily lives. We are immensely grateful for everything Admiral Nash has accomplished. His unwavering dedication has kept our nation safe, while his deep commitment to the local Kitsap community has left an enduring, positive mark on us all. Most importantly, we thank him for his tireless advocacy for our sailors and their families. We wish him Godspeed, nothing but the absolute best, and continued success in the next chapter of his journey.
As we bid a fond farewell, it is an absolute honor to welcome Rear Admiral Figanbaum and his family back to our community. We are deeply privileged to have him return to the Pacific Northwest to lead the extraordinary sailors of Submarine Group 9. Kitsap County recognizes the immense weight, sacrifice, and dedication required of this command. We are immensely proud to stand beside Admiral Figanbaum, his family, and his personnel.
As Admiral Figanbaum settles into his vital mission here, our office stands fully prepared to support him every step of the way. We welcome the Figanbaum family home and offer our deepest gratitude to both of these leaders for their continued service to our great nation."
VA Benefits Counselors in Kitsap County
Kitsap County veterans, active-duty, or family of service members looking for help with filing for VA benefits can get in-person assistance with the claims process in Bremerton and Silverdale. Benefit counselors will meet with individuals on a first-come, first-served basis. View or download the flyer.
*Bremerton: Olympic College 1600 Chester Ave., building 11, room 100, 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 13, 2026 & August 10, 2026
*Silverdale: 9177 Ridgetop Blvd. NW., 9 a.m. to noon, Monday, July 27, 2026 & August 24, 2026
SIGN UP!! Stay Informed, Stay Safe!
Emergency alerts keep Kitsap residents updated on potential life-threatening dangers—from countywide winter storms to neighborhood gas leaks. Sign up for alerts for your address to receive timely notifications, whether you're at home or away.
Visit kcowa.us/alert now to sign up and learn more about KitsapALERT.
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Ways to Engage in Your Community!
Step In, Speak Up: Be Part of Your Neighborhood Community Council
Join the Manchester Community Advisory Council (MCAC) at their regular monthly meetings the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Manchester Library.
Visit the MCAC webpage for more information including meeting dates, agendas, and membership. You can also view materials from prior meetings and learn about council members.
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Connect with the County
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