SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — After nearly five decades leading Sevier County, Mayor Larry Waters announced on Friday that he will not be running again in the next election.

Water's held a press conference at 10 a.m., saying that the people have given him the honor of a lifetime but he will not be seeking reelection in 2026.

"48 years ago as a young man who lived in this county and believed in its future, I raised my hand and took an oath of office to serve. I did not expect that oath would carry me across nearly five decades, but Sevier County has a way of getting into your heart and never letting go. It surely never let go of mine," Waters said.

He explained that Sevier County was a much smaller, quieter place that was full of promise when he took office, and that it has been a privileg

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