Between yesterday night and this morning, a powerful storm has poured over Floripa and region the second largest rainfall in 24 hours, according to measures made in 89 years. Not only the rain but also the wind caused large damage: Trees, houses, structures were partially destroyed and many roads were blocked in consequence of debris, flood and landslides.
In Jurerê 3 boats were blown ashore during last night’s wind storm, an unusual scene.
This month the bad weather has brought a lot of problems to many cities in Santa Catarina State and many declared state of emergency. In Floripa Sea-front properties in Armação beach were partially destroyed due to storm surge. It is quite evident the climate changes that are affecting South Brazil in recent years and if Gaya theory is proven right, things could get worse.

Situated in the nice location of Sambaqui, Restinga Recanto is a traditional seafood restaurant, noticeable for its decoration with dolls in the front.
They serve traditional dishes found in most seafood restaurants: fish prepared in many ways, shrimp in pumpkin, oysters and other seafood combinations.
The interior is rustic and widely decorated with local culture symbols. Built in a hill top, there is a good balcony with views to the northern bay waters. At night it is especially enchanting, with the lights of the continent shining in the background. Down the hill there is also a restaurant pier for incoming boats and waterside tables.

The table service is informal, without professional training, but the servers are quite friendly and willing to assist you.
I have tried the fish Linguado (common sole), the freshest one according to the waiter, and for accompaniment dishes rice, pirão, saute potatoes and salad. Unfortunately the food wasn’t as good as I expected: the fish missing flavour and regular side dishes. I spent over a R$100 and felt that the meal wasn’t worth it.

In overall Restinga is a nice looking and well located house with regular food, but a bit overpriced in the cost benefit analysis. Good place if you just want to have a drink - perhaps a beer - tasting local seafood appetizers with friends. Particularly at night, the scenery can provide good moments with your partner.

Address: Rodovia Rafael da Rocha Pires, 2759 - Sambaqui
Phone: 48 - 3235 2093
Opening hours: 10h ~ 0 ( Monday closed )
Credit cards: Diners | Mastercard | Visa
Website: www.restingarestaurante.com.br

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Recently a series of properties demolitions have been carried out by Floram, a municipal entity responsible for inspecting and executing environment protection laws in the city. The properties were built illegally in permanent preservation areas.
The most recent one happened in Sambaqui, where a property was built right on the beach and only 5 metres from the sea. The owner was notified, received a fine and will have to recover the damaged area.
That is good news for people who care of the local environment and are worried about the fast and disorganized real state development in the region.

High season is on and people are enjoying the sun, sand and sea. Most of the beaches are crowded and the expectations for this season are good. Last year, the rain forced visitors to cancel the trip but this summer the amount of rain has been better distributed along the days so the hotels occupancy rate is high. Most of the days have been partially cloud this month but it doesn’t hinder people to go to the beach.
As the amount of people rises considerably during summer, the same happens with the garbage found on the beaches. It is a shame that people simply throw bottles, plastic bags, cigar buts, and all sorts of micro garbage on the sand. There are garbage bins and people could just put it in a bag and take home but lack of environmental awareness among the majority seems to be a cruel reality.
Recently I saw a documentary about the amount of plastic that is found in the ocean and even the existence of a large concentration of plastic debris known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The plastic doesn’t biodegrade but disintegrates into even smaller pieces, becoming a real threat to marine life. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jelly fish, their favorite food, and after eating it, get their digestive system clogged up. Scientists have also found an impressive amount of plastic in the stomach of examined seabirds.
So think before you get rid of plastic in the beach. A small bag or bottle may look inoffensive but when tons of material are out there, the damage on earth is certainly made.