Fluoride

The measure passed by an 8-2 vote, but County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava could opt to veto the measure in the next 10 days.

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.

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.

It isn’t always covered by insurance, so people should consider whether they are at risk for cavities, whether the pros of the treatment outweigh the cons and whether they want to spend the money.

Several city commissioners expressed concerns about research that suggests exposure to higher levels of fluoride can cause cognitive issues in children. The city joins several other municipalities to end the practice.

There's a bill filed that would ban fluoridation statewide. On "The Florida Roundup," Melbourne's mayor and a pediatric dentist give differing views on whether the practice should continue.

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.

Lakeland delayed a hearing over the water issue until the Bartow workshop, which presented experts on both sides. Attendees included Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who wants to end fluoridation.

Here is a list of some of the major pieces of legislation lawmakers are expected to tackle when the session begins March 4.

The measure, introduced in the state Senate, includes numerous issues related to the state Department of Agriculture. Many local governments have ended fluoridation in recent months.

More than a dozen local governments in the state have voted to remove fluoride over concerns it may lead to cognitive issues in children. Similar votes will soon be on tap in Clearwater and Manatee County.

Commissioners voted to bring an ordinance on removing fluoride from the water supply at a later date. The county must also consider repairing the current fluoridation system.