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Commission declines to schedule workshop on hydrofluorosilicic acid after extensive public comment
Summary
After a lengthy public comment period with many speakers urging a workshop on fluoridation, the Hillsborough County commission voted down a motion to schedule a public workshop on removing hydrofluorosilicic acid from the county's potable water and to invite Surgeon General Ladapo as a presenter.
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners voted on March 5 against scheduling a public workshop to discuss the county's use of hydrofluorosilicic acid in potable water.
The motion to direct staff to schedule a workshop, with special guest Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, failed in two separate votes during the meeting; an initial attempt ended in a 3-3 tie and, after a successful reconsideration, the final vote failed 3-4.
Public comment on the item was extensive and largely in favor of a workshop. Dozens of speakers urged the board to hear experts and opponents before deciding whether to continue fluoridating the county's water supply. Among those speaking, Patricia Metcalfe, a nurse practitioner, called a local workshop "a reasonable request" that would let commissioners and the public "hear all the evidence, pros and cons." Several residents cited recent court rulings and scientific studies during their remarks; other commenters warned against mass medication without consent.
Supporters of the workshop argued the board should hold a public forum allowing technical experts from both sides to present evidence. Opponents and some commissioners said a statewide legislative process could overtake local action or that the board should wait for outcomes from the legislative session before holding a local workshop.
Commissioner Joshua Wostel, who moved the measure, said he had invited the Surgeon General and sought 30-minute slots for presentations from both sides. Commissioner Andrew Cohen and others said they were willing to participate in a workshop but preferred to wait until the state legislative session concluded to avoid duplicative effort if lawmakers act first.
The final 3-4 vote means no formal workshop date was set and the matter remains on the county's agenda for potential future consideration. Commissioners and staff reiterated that any formal policy change would require further board action.
Ending: With the motion defeated, the county will not schedule the proposed Surgeon General-led workshop; commissioners who supported the idea said they might revisit the matter after the state legislative session concludes or if new evidence emerges.
