LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Lee County commissioners are pondering the removal of fluoride from local drinking water, a topic that is gaining noteworthy attention.
Watch Fort Myers Community Correspondent Miyoshi Price’s report:
Lee County Commissioners Consider Removing Fluoride from Drinking Water
This discussion emerges amid recent guidance from the Florida surgeon general about the potential health implications of fluoride. These recommendations prompt a shift in how community members view their water supply.
Miyoshi Price, the community correspondent, investigates the roots of the ongoing debate.
Commissioner Brian Hamman mentioned, “Lee County Utilities has consistently maintained the lowest possible dosage; it still costs us about $80,000 a year.” He shared insights on his openness to fluoride removal, inspired by the Florida Surgeon General’s remarks asserting that significant health advantages may not exist. “If the surgeon general says there’s really no health benefit to it, then I think it’s worth looking at the idea of removing it from the water so that people don’t drink it anymore,” said Hamman.
The community’s response to the idea of fluoride elimination has been diverse, revealing a tapestry of opinions. Many residents expressed their desire for more control over what they consume. “I’ve heard a lot of people from the public say that they just want to have the choice of what they drink and what they put in their body,” Hamman added.
In her street interviews, Price encountered a spectrum of thoughts among residents. Local resident John Wall conveyed, “I understand reading about it is the presence of fluoride in water is especially good for children in their teeth.” He supports the continuation of fluoride in drinking water, stressing the importance of education. “Having an informed public is very important too because some members of the public have false attitudes towards fluoride. I think they’ve been conditioned to oppose it through social media,” he explained, illustrating the influence of modern communication on public perception.
Conversely, another resident, who has adhered to a holistic lifestyle for four years, shared a contrasting viewpoint. “I think if people want fluoride, they can use fluoride in their toothpaste, and they can get fluoride in other ways,” she remarked, reflecting a growing movement towards personal health choices and alternative methods of care. The contrast between these views epitomizes the diverse landscape of opinions within the community.
This contentious issue stands against the backdrop of professional endorsements; the American Dental Association maintains that fluoride in drinking water supports dental health. Amidst the debate, it’s intriguing to note that the fluoride controversy has sparked discussions not just locally, but across the nation — highlighting the intersection of health, community choices, and government recommendations.
Commissioner Hamman awaits the upcoming Tuesday meeting with anticipation. He senses the gravity of the discussion ahead, understanding that the fate of fluoride in Lee County is more than just a policy decision; it resonates with personal beliefs, health impacts, and the fundamental choices of every resident.
