Local governments in Florida and across the country recently have debated — and, in some cases, stopped — the longstanding practice of adding fluoride to water supplies. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has urged more communities to take that step, appearing personally at a hearing in Tavares late last year as the city halted the practice.

Lakeland officials have delayed a public hearing on fluoridation, taking interest in Bartow's public workshop set for Tuesday, Feb. 18. Here's a look at the debate.

With the backing of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a Senate Republican on Thursday filed a wide-ranging bill that would bar public water systems from adding fluoride to water supplies.

After a public meeting Tuesday night, Bartow City Commissioners will vote on March 17th on whether or not to continue to have fluoride in the drinking water.

The Lake Mary City Commission will discuss whether or not to remove fluoride from the drinking water at a meeting tonight. Several local cities have opted to remove it, including Longwood earlier this week.