Lakeland is just one of several other cities, such as Winter Haven, to vote to remove fluoride from its water. Bartow, Manatee County and other local governments across the region are also considering it.

The City of Lakeland has joined the growing list of local governments in Florida voting to remove fluoride from drinking water after commissioners signed off on the move Monday.

City officials said the fluoridation was turned off minutes after the unanimous decision. DOGE cost-cutter-in-chief Elon Musk likened the U.S. retirement system to a pyramid scheme during a podcast with Joe Rogan.

The decision comes amid controversy surrounding potential health risks associated with fluoride, despite its benefits for dental health. Opponents of fluoridation, including Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo,