Collier commissioners vote to keep fluoride in water supply

NAPLES, Fla.- Collier County commissioners voted 4-1 on Tuesday in favor of keeping fluoride in the county’s water supply.

More than 70 people on both sides of the debate signed up to speak in front of county leaders at Tuesday’s meeting.

Opponents told commissioners they never consented to having the government put fluoride in their water.

People in Collier County are getting 200 times the amount of fluoride recommended by the government, according to an online petition.

“Let’s face it, a lot of Collier County is not children, it’s older people,” said Kim Bradshaw who was disappointed by the commissioners’ decision. “We do not need to be taking fluoride in.”

Commissioners, however, sided with the local health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who say fluoride helps prevent cavities and is safe.

Several local dentists, doctors and orthodontists applauded the move.

“I know that fluoride is safe and effective and it’s something that really helps prevent tooth decay,” said Dr. Thomas Albert.