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- ⭐ Ormond Beach Resident Urges City Council to Reconsider Fluoride Ban Amid Health Concerns
⭐ Ormond Beach Resident Urges City Council to Reconsider Fluoride Ban Amid Health Concerns
Issue #483
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26 Feb
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Ormond Beach Resident Urges City Council to Reconsider Fluoride Ban Amid Health Concerns
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Ormond Beach retired engineer Jerry Valcik urges commission to revisit decision against fluoridating city's water supply. Here’s a summary of his letter:
Ormond Beach city commissioners are urged to reconsider their decision to halt water fluoridation, with health experts emphasizing its proven benefits in preventing tooth decay. The CDC reports that one in four Florida third graders suffers from untreated cavities, a figure that could worsen without fluoridation. Medical organizations like the American Dental Association support fluoridation as a safe and cost-effective public health measure. Critics argue that the commissioners’ decision may have been influenced by political pressures rather than scientific evidence. Advocates propose reinstating an environmental advisory committee to guide decisions on water quality, highlighting the broader challenge of aligning public health policies with both science and public opinion.
You are urged to click the link below to see the full content of his letter to the City Council.
How Did This Situation Come About?
In November 2024, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo issued guidance recommending that municipalities discontinue the practice of adding fluoride to community water supplies. Dr. Ladapo cited concerns over potential neuropsychiatric risks associated with fluoride exposure, particularly for pregnant women and children. He referenced studies suggesting that systemic fluoride exposure could lead to adverse effects such as reduced IQ, cognitive impairments, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and skeletal fluorosis. Dr. Ladapo emphasized the availability of alternative fluoride sources, like toothpaste and mouthwashes, as sufficient for dental health without the need for water fluoridation. floridahealth.gov
Following this guidance, several Florida municipalities took action. Notably, the Ormond Beach City Commission voted unanimously to cease adding fluoride to its water system, aligning with the state's new recommendations. Yahoo.com
However, this stance has faced opposition from prominent health organizations. The American Dental Association (ADA) described Dr. Ladapo's comments as "misinformed and dangerous," emphasizing that community water fluoridation at recommended levels is a safe and effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. The ADA highlighted that more than 5 million Floridians live in areas with a shortage of dental professionals, and fluoridated water serves as a crucial preventive measure in such communities. adanews.ada.org
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also support water fluoridation, stating it reduces tooth decay by approximately 25% in both children and adults. The CDC has recognized community water fluoridation as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Do you agree that the city should continue to flouridate the water supply? |
Results and comments here tomorrow.
Brower Emphasizes Flood Mitigation as Volusia's Top Priority
Volusia County Council Chairman Jeff Brower emphasized the urgency of addressing flooding during his annual “State of the County” address, urging collective action from residents and officials. The council is advancing studies to identify flood mitigation solutions, including property buyouts and updated development standards, though Brower’s push for mandatory low-impact development and a temporary development moratorium were not adopted. A recent memo from County Manager George Recktenwald outlined ongoing efforts to track flood-prone properties and flood-related permit applications. Meanwhile, Councilman Don Dempsey called for reallocating federal hurricane recovery funds to infrastructure improvements. The county is developing a plan to use over $462 million in federal aid, with a focus on storm resilience.
Lifeguards Needed: Volusia County Boosts Pay to Attract Applicants
Volusia County’s Beach Safety division is ramping up recruitment efforts to fill 135 seasonal lifeguard positions ahead of the summer rush. Facing a nationwide shortage of lifeguards, county officials are offering competitive pay and bonuses to attract applicants.
This year, the hourly wage has been raised to $18.50 to help address staffing gaps. Volusia County Council Chairman Jeff Brower, a former lifeguard, is encouraging residents 16 and older to apply, emphasizing the critical role lifeguards play in ensuring beach safety.
Despite staffing challenges, Beach Safety recorded 2,260 rescues in 2024, with nine drownings—a decrease from the previous year. So far this year, lifeguards have performed 48 rescues with no drownings reported.
Officials stress that lifeguarding is more than a summer job, offering valuable skills in teamwork, responsibility, and lifesaving techniques. With summer approaching, the county is eager to build a strong team to maintain safety along its busy coastline. Click here for more information.
From Facebook
Norma M. MacDonald, 97, of Ormond Beach, passed away on March 8, 2025.
Linda L. Rodgers, 76, of Ormond Beach, passed away on February 19, 2025.
Toby J. Linn, 74, of Ormond Beach, passed away on February 19, 2025.
Barbara Jean Gammon, 86, of Ormond Beach, passed away on February 19, 2025.
Carol J. Burns, 80, of Ormond Beach, passed away on February 19, 2025.
Source: See More Obituaries at Echovita
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Wed Feb 26
Event: Central Park – Ormond Beach, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Central Park, 600 Hammock Ln, Ormond BeachEvent: Collective Bargaining Meeting for International, 1 PM
Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond BeachEvent: Private Training: 1 Day, 2 – 4 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond BeachEvent: Mixed Media Night Light or Suncatcher Class, 3 – 5 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Big Engine: Saints & Sinners Bike Week Kickoff, 4 – 8 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond BeachEvent: Wednesday Karaoke at the OB with HARRYOKE!, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd, Ormond BeachEvent: Seth Pause, 6 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Wednesday is BINGO Night at Kava Kula, 8 – 10 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond BeachEvent: Open Bezel Jewelry Class by Janie, All Day (Feb 21 – Mar 21)
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Connections Exhibit with featured artist Debby Bird, All Day (Feb 1 – 28)
Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: American Revolution Experience, All Day (Feb 22 – Mar 3)
Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N Beach St, Ormond BeachThu Feb 27
Event: Ormond Beach Farmers Market, 8 AM – 1 PM
Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Turf Talks, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Private Training: 1 Day, 10 AM – 12 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Sea Glass Tree Class - 2/27, 3 – 6 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Christie Beu, 4 – 8 PM
31 Supper Club, 31 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: BIKE WEEK - Thursday with VooDoo Dollz, Fracture, 12:00 PM – 11:59 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Open Mic Event, Feb 7 – Mar 9
Kava Culture Kava Bar, 500 W Granada Blvd Ste 5, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Open Bezel Jewelry Class by Janie, Feb 21 – Mar 21
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Connections Exhibit with featured artist Debby Bird, Feb 1 – 28
Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLFri Feb 28
Event: 84th annual Bike Week - First Weekend, Feb 28 – Mar 2
Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitor Bureau, 140 S Atlantic Ave Suite 500, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Mariachi Night at Fridas Mexican Kitchen & Cantina, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Frida's Mexican Kitchen & Cantina, 195 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Daytona Beach Bike Week, Feb 28 – Mar 9
Corbin Pacific Inc, 1433 US-1, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Mardi Gras & Bike Week — River Grille, Feb 28 – Mar 9
RiverGrille on the Tomoka, 950 US-1, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Daytona Bike Week, Feb 28 – Mar 9
Teddy Morse's Daytona Harley-Davidson Dealership and Showroom, 1637 US-1, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: BOA and the AMG Present our BOA LIVE! On Tour, Feb 28 – Mar 9
1081 US-1, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Friday Karaoke at the OB with HARRYOKE!, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: BEACHSIDE MUSIC, 6:30 PM
Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Private Training: 1 Day, 2 – 4 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Café Roberto, 6:30 – 9:00 AM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Whey Jennings, 9 – 11 PM
Iron Horse Saloon, 1068 US-1, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Jimmy Ali - Live Friday's at "The Grind", 9:00 – 11:59 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Latin Dance Social - Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha..., 8 – 11 PM
JJ's Dance Fusion, 298 S Nova Rd STE D, Ormond Beach, FL
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