water supply

At least 22 communities in the state have elected to end fluoridating public water supplies since November. The Seminole County Commission voted 4-1 to follow suit.

The measure passed 8-2, but County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava could opt to veto the measure within 10 days of the vote.

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.

Young Black families settled in what is now Whitted in 1886, and their descendants and neighbors there still rely on well water. Now, they know the wells have enough PFAS to trigger health concerns. But change is slow.

Dozens of Florida municipalities have decided to stop adding floride to its drinking water over concerns the practice may affect the cognitive ability of kids.

If commissioners vote to follow the guidance of Florida's surgeon general, Manatee would join more than a dozen other local governments to end the practice, including Niceville in the Panhandle.

Fluoride will stay in the Tallahassee water supply after commissioners heard a report from experts on the issue.

After Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo came to Polk County and called fluoridation a “public health malpractice,” city commissioners said they would need to learn more before they could vote on the issue.

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.