Orlando to join partnership to help reduce pollution in lakes, oceans

ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando is set to announce a new partnership meant to make the water around us safer.

The city is teaming up with Ocean Conservancy for its “Shores Forward” program, working to protect lakes and waterways from things like toxic algae blooms.

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As one of the first steps, Ocean Conservancy officials said they will launch comprehensive, scientific studies on the sources of pollution in Orlando. Because, they said, what happens in Orlando lakes and waterways eventually leads to the ocean.

They hope the studies will help leaders come up with innovative solutions to reduce pollution.

Read: More sargassum seaweed expected to arrive at Brevard County beaches

Orlando will be the third city to join the partnership, behind Miami and Miami Beach.

Orlando officials and representatives from Ocean Conservancy will make the announcement at Lake Richmond on Friday at 1 p.m.

Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for updates.

Video: More sargassum seaweed expected to arrive at Brevard County beaches (WFTV)

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