Naples joins the list of cities in Florida that will remove fluoride from its drinking water.
The Naples City Council voted 4-3 in favor of removing fluoride following a public hearing on Wednesday.
Naples had been fluoridating its water since 1950.
BREAKING: Naples, FL votes to REMOVE fluoride from tap water, marking a HUGE victory for health freedom and informed choice!
This decision reflects growing awareness of fluoride’s health risks and sets a precedent for other communities across the U.S.
pic.twitter.com/S9QV03AGcA
— Sayer Ji (@sayerjigmi) December 5, 2024
Per WBBH:
Residents are deeply divided over the issue, with some praising the decision as a victory for personal freedom and others fearful over the potential public health impact, specifically to teeth.
“Fluoride in water was never about personal choice — it was about community health. This decision will disproportionately hurt low-income families who can’t afford regular dental care,” said Naples resident Linda Torres, a retired dentist.
Jill Kiley, a Marco Island resident, pushed back on such arguments, framing the debate as part of a broader fight for individual rights.
ADVERTISEMENT“We started this movement after COVID showed us how easily freedoms can be stripped away. Our water should be free from unnecessary chemicals,” Kiley said.
Naples joins a growing list of cities in Florida to reject fluoride.
Naples, FL city council votes to stop fluoridating city and county water 4-3!
FL Cities Rejecting Fluoride
Perry, FL: Aug 2023
Collier County: Feb 2024
Brooksville, FL: April 2024
Winter Haven, FL: Nov 2024
Stuart, FL: Nov 2024
Naples, FL Dec 2024— Justin Robert (@JustinWeRchange) December 5, 2024
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo advised all cities and counties statewide to stop adding fluoride to drinking water.
Dr. Ladapo spoke at a news conference in Winter Haven, which announced it would not add fluoride to its drinking water by the end of the year.
FLORIDA – “Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced new guidelines on Friday, advising that all cities and counties statewide stop adding #fluoride to drinking water.”
BIG WIN! https://t.co/IqEEjfDtG1
— Fluoride Action Network (@FluorideAction) November 22, 2024
“It is public health malpractice with the information that we have now to continue adding fluoride to water,” Dr. Ladapo said.
WATCH:
FOX 13 Tampa Bay reports:
The debate over whether fluoride poses a health hazard when ingested goes beyond the brain, with critics arguing it could also cause dental and bone diseases. Supporters of fluoridation, though, consider it one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century.
Dr. Ladapo’s stance on the issue is in line with that of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has said he would recommend removing fluoride from drinking water nationwide.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now studying the issue more, as well, although it could take up to three years to find out the results.
Dr. Ladapo said formal guidance will be issued to municipalities to stop adding fluoride.
He urged residents to speak with their local leaders.
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said there is a “neuropsychiatric risk” associated with being exposed to fluoride.
“Due to the neuropsychiatric risk… pic.twitter.com/ghLBsaFdFb
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 22, 2024
From News-Press:
Council members Ray Christman and Beth Petrunoff had asked for the decision to be delayed. Christman called for the issue to be sent to a workshop, and Petrunoff suggested the city hire an expert because of conflicting opinions.
ADVERTISEMENTCouncil member Linda Penniman did not air her position yet was the third vote against the ordinance amendment to stop fluoridating the water.
Fluoridation of the city’s water will end Jan. 1 or earlier if possible.
The debate was spurred months ago by members of Stand for Health Freedom which helped convince the Collier County Commission in February to stop fluoridating the county’s water.
The group also was instrumental in the county commission’s decision in April 2023 to adopt a “health freedom bill of rights” to protect personal liberties in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and what they said was government overreach with shut-downs, mask mandates and vaccine requirements.
This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.
View the original article here.
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!