PINE ISLAND, FL -After months of debate, the Greater Pine Island Water Association says it will not add fluoride to its customers’ water. Board members voted on the controversial issue Tuesday afternoon.

It was a big win for a small but very vocal group of neighbors living on Pine Island. The Water Association fought for months to add fluoride to its customers’ water – but in the end had to ditch the idea.

One by one on Tuesday, the Greater Pine Island Water Association voiced its reasons for wanting to add fluoride to the water.

But by a vote of 6 to 3 – the Water Association board ditched the idea because of neighbors like Lori Depalma.

“It’s dangerous- it’s toxic and not healthy for children, people my age or the elderly,” she said.

Before the vote, customers had a say and the result was nearly split down the middle with a majority asking for no fluoride.

A mix of federal and state grants would have paid for fluoridated water.

While studies show fluoride can be beneficial for your teeth, critics say it does more damage than good – calling it a poison.

“We feel that the children and older folks in our community will be better off because they did vote our way,” said Bokeelia resident Jack Mills.

The fight doesn’t end here. Now the group of neighbors want customers to have a say on whether any additive can be placed in water.