Local governments in Florida and across the country recently have debated — and, in some cases, stopped — the longstanding practice of adding fluoride to water supplies. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has urged more communities to take that step, appearing personally at a hearing in Tavares late last year as the city halted the practice.

A new bill filed in the Florida Senate aims to prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water supplies, sparking debate over the long-standing practice and its impact on public health. Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares) introduced the bill (SB 700) on Thursday with the backing of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

Becoming an Orlando Weekly Supporter for as little as $5 a month allows us to continue offering readers access to our coverage of local news, food, nightlife, events, and culture with no paywalls.

Clearwater is now on the growing list of Florida municipalities that are discussing a ban on fluoride in drinking water. City Council member Ryan Cotton introduced the topic Monday during a workshop — making Clearwater yet another local government joining the national conversation on fluoride that Robert F.

Some Treasure Coast governments seem to be in a rush to take fluoride out of water supplies. Is this based on science or just a knee-jerk reaction?

Harmful or helpful? Both the benefits and the risks of fluoride injected into public drinking water systems was part of a legislative discussion.