Lee County has officially decided to eliminate fluoride from its public drinking water.
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo praised the move, congratulating both the county commissioners and residents who supported the decision.
“Your choice to end water fluoridation is rooted in science and will enhance the health of your communities,” Ladapo stated.
Congratulations to the freedom loving people of Lee County & the courageous county commissioners.
Your decision to stop water fluoridation is backed by science & will improve the health of your communities.
Thank you! pic.twitter.com/SATVE7guvF— Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD (@FLSurgeonGen) February 6, 2025
According to News-Press, Lee County is now the 40th county in Florida to discontinue fluoridation of its drinking water.
“It’s insane to continue to support this with the information that we have now. And you know, who suffers the most? Well, so far, it’s children and pregnant women,” Ladapo said.
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“Those are the most sensitive populations,” he added.
Decision Opposes Medical Associations’ Recommendations
The decision, spearheaded by Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, goes against guidance from organizations such as the American Dental Association and the American Medical Association. However, Florida’s Surgeon General presented an alternative perspective.
Ladapo, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, traveled to Fort Myers to address county commissioners directly. He cited multiple studies suggesting fluoride has harmful health effects.
“I was stupefied by the strong evidence of the clear toxic effect of fluoride,” Ladapo told commissioners. “It’s insane to continue to support this. Why on Earth would we continue?”
The commission agreed.
Pendergrass introduced the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Brian Hamman. Hamman highlighted Lee County’s history of resisting mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing its commitment to personal freedom.
Commissioner David Mulicka echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m grateful we’re in the free state of Florida.”
As reported by WINK News, the decision to remove fluoride came after a unanimous vote by commissioners.
The discussion lasted over an hour, with community members, including children, voicing both support and opposition.
“I’m happy to back any Florida community that wants to make a change for better health,” Ladapo said.
Local resident Robert V. urged officials to consider the ethical, environmental, and economic impacts of fluoridation.
“Let’s move toward a policy that respects individual choice,” he said.
With the vote finalized, Lee County will proceed with eliminating fluoride from its water supply, joining a growing list of Florida communities making similar decisions.
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