Florida’s ‘Medical Freedom’ Movement Gathers Momentum in Sarasota

In Sarasota County, Florida, a gathering of several hundred people recently celebrated state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and the controversial practices that characterize the local “medical freedom” movement. The event, titled “The 3 Big C’s: Courage, Censorship & Cancer,” featured a variety of speakers, including unlicensed Canadian radiologist William Makis, known for using unproven treatments like horse paste to treat cancer. It was organized by the We the People Health and Wellness Center, a clinic associated with individuals advocating against traditional medical practices.

The evening’s discussions, held at the Venice Community Center, showcased a blend of wellness advocates, vaccine skeptics, and right-wing Republicans. This convergence reflects a broader movement that emerged in response to pandemic-related lockdowns and mandates. Brianna Ladapo, the surgeon general’s wife, who identifies as a “spiritual healer,” hosted a panel discussing the supposed dangers of vaccines and government overreach in healthcare.

During the event, Makis presented his theories linking the COVID-19 vaccine to what he describes as “turbo cancers,” blaming alleged impurities in mRNA vaccines for widespread health issues. He maintains that the medical community’s rejection of treatments like ivermectin—a drug promoted during the pandemic—forms part of a conspiracy involving pharmaceutical companies.

Brianna Ladapo’s beliefs further contribute to this narrative. In her memoir, she suggests that the pandemic was orchestrated by “sinister forces” to control the population. She has expressed concerns about vaccines and even mentioned seeing “dark forces” manifesting in the form of what she refers to as “chemtrails.” These claims, while popular among conspiracy theorists, lack scientific evidence and have been widely debunked.

Since taking office in 2021, Joseph Ladapo has begun to reverse conventional public health practices in Florida. He has publicly criticized mRNA vaccines and announced plans to eliminate childhood vaccination mandates, positioning himself as a leader in the “medical freedom” movement. Just days after the Venice event, he expressed support for Makis’ unproven treatments through a newly established $60 million cancer research fund initiated by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his wife, Casey.

The We the People Health and Wellness Center, founded by local entrepreneur Vic Mellor, serves as a hub for these alternative medical practices. Mellor, who has connections to figures like retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, has created a complex offering various treatments that align with the medical freedom ideology. The center promotes vitamin shots while eschewing vaccines, claiming to address vaccine injuries.

In Sarasota County, particularly in the Pinecraft neighborhood, skepticism towards vaccines has historical roots. A local pastor, Timothy Miller, noted that while the area’s Mennonite community is less isolated than others, many still refuse vaccinations. His cousin, Kristi Miller, stated she will not vaccinate her children due to fears they may cause autism, a claim that has been discredited by numerous studies.

As the debate around vaccination and alternative treatments continues, the “medical freedom” movement in Sarasota reflects a significant shift in public health discourse, blending personal beliefs with medical practices. The gathering of support around figures like Joseph and Brianna Ladapo illustrates a growing trend toward challenging established norms in healthcare, raising questions about the implications for public health policy in Florida and beyond.

With the movement gaining traction, the community surrounding the We the People Health and Wellness Center remains steadfast in its commitment to alternative practices, influencing public perception and policy in the state. As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, the implications of these beliefs will likely resonate far beyond Sarasota County, impacting future public health decisions.