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Health officials issue blue-green algae bloom caution for two Orange County lakes

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is notifying residents of blue-green algae bloom at two Orange County lakes.

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On Thursday, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County issued a health alert for the harmful toxins in Lake Pinelock.

See map of area below:

Officials learned of the blooms after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination on Jan. 11.

The department also issued an alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algae in Lake Mann.

See map of area below:

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Because blooms have the potential to produce toxins, health officials advise people to take the following precautions:

-Do not drink, swim, wade or boat in waters with a visible bloom.

-Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth

-Keep pets and livestock away from the waters where there is a bloom.

Blue-green algae is common in freshwater environments throughout Florida and can appear year-round.

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More information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here.

To report an algal bloom, contact FDEP at 855-305-3903 or online.

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Matt Reeser

Matt Reeser, WFTV.com

Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia.