BOCC votes to end negotiations on Lakewood Ranch ice rink complex

BRADENTON — At Tuesday's meeting, Manatee County Commissioners voted unanimously to decline a proposed multi-use ice rink facility at the Premier Sports Complex in Lakewood Ranch and end negotiations with the applicant.

The controversial $80 million project, known as Project Grace, would have included the development of a 190,000-square-foot facility, supported by county economic incentives and a public-private land lease agreement.

In February, commissioners unanimously approved entering into an economic-stimulus public-private development agreement with Icemann Development LLC—the Wesley Chapel-based entity behind Project Grace. The item, which was placed on the consent agenda, was pulled by McCann, who requested more information before casting a vote in its favor.

A month ago, a consent agenda item advancing the project was pulled by Commissioner Bob McCann, whose district included the Premier Sports Complex. Commissioners voted to suspend negotiations until county staff could address concerns raised by residents and some commissioners, including questions regarding the proposed location's compatibility with county planning policies and land development regulations.

Commissioners were clearly frustrated that the applicant appeared to have little new information to address their concerns, and after hearing an onslaught of public comment against the project, voted to move on from it.