The eastern part of Florianopolis is the famous “redoubt”, which is popular with residents and visitors of the city who are looking for peace in quiet corners full of natural beauty.

The three districts that make up the region – Lagoa da Conceicao, Barra da Lagoa and Costada Lagoa – are among the most visited tourist destinations in the capital.

Such a charming setting that many of these visitors decide to stay there.

Urban mobility and management of public spaces in Lagoa da Conceição are topics that residents do not approve of – Photo: Leo Muñoz/North Dakota

Demand has grown across the region, which Florianópolis City Hall estimates should reach 21,600 residents in 2023.

At the beginning of the century, about 14,000 people permanently lived in this territory. The Lagoa da Conceição area can be considered the “heart” of the region.

The president of Amo Lagoa (Association of Lagoa da Conceição Residents), Bruno Negri, recalls the area’s origins before the occupation plan in the 70s to illustrate the historical search for a “place of paradise” in the city.

However, according to him, this big attraction ended up becoming the main concern of the residents as well, as the growth was unorganized.

A survey conducted in the last quarter of 2021 revealed the biggest “pains” of the residents of the microdistrict.

Sanitation, mobility and the management of public spaces were cited as the main complaints.

Of the more than 100 residents surveyed, 58.3% rated the sanitation conditions in the area as “very bad” and 37.9% rated the management of public spaces in Lagoa da Conceicao as “poor”.

The president of the association emphasizes that, in addition to attention to changes in the legislation on the Master Plan, the priority in the district is the observance of the rules and control over them.

“We have worrisome sanitation, an increase in population density in existing buildings, the promotion of custom designs that are completely outside the scope of the Master Plan. Even the mayor’s office does not comply with the general plan, look at the project for a new bridge,” he complains.

Forecast estimated by Intelligence Directorate/SMS in 2020 during Covid-19 operations. – Photo: Graph

Residents of Barrada Lagoa ask for more government attention

Barra da Lagoa is one of the “favorites” of every tourist or even a resident of Florianopolis.

The privileged characteristics of a small community that has a few typical elements of Portuguese fishing tradition and culture also attract more and more new permanent residents in the neighborhood.

According to Barra da Lagoa resident and community councilor Hamilton Fernández dos Santos, the place is no longer just a spa, but has “turned into a residential area with a significant increase in population.”

Hamilton emphasizes that the area still retains its characteristics, but is already feeling the impact of the search for new residents who come from all regions of Brazil, as well as from neighboring countries.

“The demand for places in kindergartens and schools is increasing every year. The medical center also reflects the increase in the local population, and the search for help in various specialties is growing every day,” he says.

The problem, he says, is that despite the significant population growth, residents feel that the authorities are not paying enough attention to the area.

“Barra da Lagoa has a lot of potential, but it’s being forgotten,” he complains.

By doing so, the resident reinforces the need for community input and input during the review of the master plan.

“They are discussing the master plan within four walls…there is no shortage of actors in the district, but we do not have representatives who advocate major improvements for the people of Barra da Lagoa,” he concludes.

Costa da Lagoa needs a structure update

Its unspoiled beauty is the result of environmental and cultural conservation, as well as limited access to the region.

To get to the Costa da Lagoa, you need boats or trails, but this does not annoy the inhabitants. According to Valdir Andrade, President of the Association of Volnei Coastal Residents, it is important to preserve the features of the place, as the traditional community mostly lives off tourism and fishing.

The only problem with mobility that residents of the region present is the pick-up points: “We urgently need repairs because demand has increased,” he notes.

With an increase in population, the ships had to grow, the boats became larger, accommodating up to 80 people. However, the goggles were built at a time when boats were of a lower design.

Despite a great scenario, the community is facing problems with basic sewerage and sanitation.

“We still need to complete the sewer network, which, due to this tide, wastewater goes into the lagoon, where there is no sewer network, we already have 60% of the network, the rest is not there yet,” he says.