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Residents urge removal of fluoride; commission schedules public agenda item for February
Summary
Several residents urged the commission to remove added fluoride from city water. Commissioners directed staff to place the issue on the next available commission agenda (second meeting in February) with materials representing both sides for public comment.
Multiple residents spoke during public comment urging the city to stop adding fluoride to the municipal water supply, citing health concerns and recent guidance referenced from the Florida surgeon general. Speakers asked the commission to remove fluoridation so residents would not need to buy reverse‑osmosis filters or bottled water for perceived health risks.
City Attorney and staff said the water‑fluoridation question is a policy matter; operations staff stated the city supplies fluoride under long‑standing practice and that operational costs are minimal. Commissioners discussed next steps and agreed that the topic warrants a transparent public forum: staff were asked to package representative materials from both sides, post them in advance and add the item to the commission agenda (the group settled on the second meeting in February) so attendees can present views and the commission can consider formal direction.
Staff said they will accept materials from pro‑ and con‑fluoridation parties in advance, post those materials for public review, and schedule a capped public‑hearing style agenda item that could be continued if commissioners conclude they need more information before taking action.
Ending
Commissioners set process: materials will be gathered and posted in advance, commissioners will hold the item at a commission meeting (second meeting in February), allow public comment and then consider whether to direct staff to remove fluoride or take other action.
