BARTOW, Fla. — The city of Bartow is hosting a community forum Tuesday to continue talks on whether fluoride should be removed from the city’s drinking water.
State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and American Fluoride Society President Dr. Johnny Johnson will join the forum to discuss pros and cons of the practice, that for years was believed to improve dental health.
What You Need To Know
- City of Bartow hosting community forum Tuesday on fluoride in drinking water
- State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and American Fluoride Society President Dr. Johnny Johnson will join the forum to discuss pros and cons
- PREVIOUS STORY: Should Bartow continue adding fluoride to water? Officials begin debate
The forum happens tonight from 6-8 p.m. at the Bartow Civic Center.
In December, leaders considered recent guidance from Ladapo. He has spoken out against the long-held practice after Winter Haven commissioners voted 3-2 to remove fluoride from its water supply.
Most toothpastes and mouthwashes already contain fluoride.
Opinions are mixed in the city of Bartow about the removal of Fluoride from the citi’s water supply, and that’s why Mayor Trish Pfeiffer says Tuesday’s forum will help better inform city leaders and the public.
“The biggest thing that I am hoping comes out of this is, do you really know what this is? And here it is. I think it is going to be pretty enlightening for people to see the safety data sheet,” said Pfeiffer. “That’s what I am looking at. And it’s pretty compelling.”
Winter Haven recently voted to remove fluoride from its drinking water supply.
An effort to remove it in Hillsborough County recently failed.
In Manatee County, commissioners have drafted a motion to remove fluoride from the drinking water, but a vote is still pending.
