fluoridated water

The office of County Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, who is also sponsoring the bill, said the measure will come back up at a meeting next month.

When roll call was taken, commissioners Leo Longworth, Gary Ball and Laura Simpson decided to stick with fluoride. Tanya Tucker and Mayor Trish Burdin-Pfeiffer voted no.

A subcommittee advanced a package dubbed the "Florida Farm Bill." Targets include "any additive" to water "for health-related purposes” and labeling of plant-based food as meat, milk, poultry and egg.

While some politicians say fluoridated water is government overreach, medical experts say it's important and effective for the public.

The county's safety and health committee took no action on fluoridation after the surgeon general's presentation to convince members to end the practice.

Data from the CDC shows 31 utilities in Florida had annual average fluoride levels that were approximately half the CDC’s recommended level or less for at least a year.

Some recent studies found fluoride exposure is associated with cognitive impacts in children, but the research isn’t conclusive. Still, many Floridians say there’s enough evidence to warrant concern.

Florida's surgeon general calls it "public health malpractice" to fluoridate water, citing research that suggests exposure to high levels could lead to lower IQs in kids. Many experts say more research is needed.

Research has generally shown that fluoridated water at recommended levels is safe. But many experts and a judge say more research is needed to better understand whether and when risks kick in.

Health experts testify on the importance of keeping the mineral in the water supply, but "health freedom" backers dominate the public discussion before the commission vote.