Commissioners Plan 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.

"It is the most ignorant, asinine decision that was ever made," said pediatric dentist Dr. Johnny Johnson, who wore a giant tooth costume outside an East Lake precinct on election day. Johnson wanted to convince voters to cast their ballots for "pro-fluoride" candidates Janet Long and Charlie Justice.

Dr. Oscar Menendez paid for a billboard on U.S. 19 that also called for change. "Want Fluoride? Good Leadership? ELECT Janet Long & Charlie Justice for County Commissioner," it said.

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

Do you think fluoride should be put back in Pinellas County's drinking water? Add your comments below.