County to Put Fluoride Back in Drinking Water

Fluoride appears to be making a comeback in Pinellas County, now that the commissioners who voted to remove it about a year ago have themselves been voted out of office.

Newly-elected "pro-fluoride" commissioners Janet Long and Charlie Justice attended their first county commission meeting Nov. 20, where commissioners unanimously decided to put fluoride back into the county's drinking water, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

"When we come back here after Thanksgiving, we are prepared to take that vote and flip that switch," said Long.

The Times reports that commissioners John Morroni and Norm Roche, who opposed fluoride last year, have changed their minds and will vote to put it back in the drinking water.

The Pinellas County Commission plans to vote on the matter during its meeting Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Water from the City of St. Petersburg Public Utilities does contain fluoride. According to the city's website, "the City of St. Petersburg began fluoridation of its water supply in 1993. Fluoride has been shown to help prevent tooth decay, especially in children.

Do you think fluoride should be put back in Pinellas County's drinking water?