Ormond Beach commission votes to keep fluoride in city water after heated public hearing

The Ormond Beach City Commission voted to approve Ordinance 2025-13 on second reading, keeping fluoride in the city’s water supply after a lengthy public hearing and debate.

Supporters of fluoridation — including local dentists and public-health practitioners — told the commission that community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay, especially for children and residents with limited access to dental care. “Since fluoride was introduced into toothpaste and community water supplies 80 years ago … our nation has seen a 60 to 70 percent drop in dental decay,” said Dr. Sean McDonnell, a pediatric dentist, during public comment.

Opponents urged the commission to remove fluoride on health and consent grounds and stressed that many countries and many U.S. communities do not fluoridate. “Where there is risk, there must be choice,” said Justin Harvey, who cited studies he said link fluoride exposure to potential harms. Commissioners debated whether the city should make the decision by ordinance or put the question to a public vote in the future.

Mayor Jason Leslie, who read materials gathered at legislative meetings in Tallahassee and said he had reviewed studies for and against fluoridation, said he would vote to continue fluoridation. “Therefore, I will be voting to yes for this ordinance to continue,” he said during the discussion.

Following discussion the commission took a roll-call vote on the ordinance. The clerk recorded the votes as: Commissioner Bridal — yes; Commissioner Tolland — yes; Commissioner Sargent — yes; Commissioner Deaton — yes; Mayor Leslie — yes. The ordinance passed on second reading and remains the city’s governing rule for fluoridation unless the commission or voters later change it.

The commission heard dozens of speakers during the public comment period. Those favoring fluoridation included Dr. David Brown, a retired dentist who said fluoride “was an appropriate level, to reduce any type of side effects” for children, and Dr. Oscar Morrone, a periodontist who said fluoridation helps “the neediest people” who lack regular dental care. Those urging removal included residents who raised concerns about systemic exposure, thyroid interactions, and studies they said link fluoride to neurodevelopmental risk.

Commissioners indicated interest in future public engagement steps. Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland suggested the possibility of putting a choice on a future ballot so residents could decide directly. Other commissioners said they were persuaded by medical testimony and would continue to support the municipal fluoridation program.

The commission did not change dosing at the meeting; speakers noted the city’s target level is lower than historical maximums discussed in some studies. The city staff did not propose new testing or monitoring changes during the hearing.

The ordinance is now enacted as the city code governing fluoridation practices. Any future change would require further council action or voter approval and, if state law changes, could alter local authority.

The city clerk’s office will publish the adopted ordinance and the final recorded vote on the city website and in the official minutes.