Port Orange Votes to Keep Fluoride in Water

The Port Orange City Council on Tuesday voted 3-2 to keep fluoride in the city’s water supply, a narrow vote that mirrored increasing debate about the issue on the state and federal level. The majority vote was formed by Vice Mayor Tracy Grubbs, along with Council members Shawn Goepfert and Jonathan Foley. Had the City Council voted to cease fluoridation, they would’ve joined Ormond Beach and New Smyrna Beach who’ve both voted to halt the practice. Other cities in Florida have also adopted the stance in recent months. Fluoride is a mineral which is naturally occurring in both fresh and salt sources of groundwater. When consumed in drinking water, it’s been proven to repair damage to teeth caused by the bacteria in the human mouth which produces acid. The Florida legislature is currently considering a bill known as the Florida Farm Bill which would, among other things, ban local governments from adding fluoride to water. SB 700, as it’s officially known, is backed by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. In November, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo called upon local governments to stop fluoridation, calling the process “public health malpractice” and insinuated that it could lead to decreased intelligence and neurological conditions in children. Ladapo’s claims go against the consensus of national public health authorities. According to Johns Hopkins University, water fluoridation is crucial for preventing high rates of tooth decay. Though the mineral is known to have averse effects in too high of a quantity, the process of mimicking the natural fluoridation of water in some parts of the country is a long-standing public health practice with proven benefits. Still, water fluoridation has its notable critics. Robert F. Kennedy Jr, Donald Trump’s Secretary of Health & Human Services, has slammed the practice and called for its banning. President Trump hasn’t taken a firm stance on the matter, but has suggested he’d be open to backing a ban.