Negotiations for an ice rink and multisport complex in Lakewood Ranch have been suspended, as Manatee County commissioners voted unanimously July 28 to explore alternative locations for the proposed $80 million, 190,000-square-foot project.
In addition, county staff members were directed to return to the commission at a later date to address all concerns brought forth by the public during the July 28 meeting — which lasted 11 hours.
The vote, at least for now, halts what the same commissioners approved less than two months ago. Then, at a June 16 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved a motion in support of the public-private partnership. The preliminary plan was to lease 22 acres on the Premier Sports Campus North to Wesley Chapel-based Icemann Development so the company could build and operate an indoor sports multiplex there. The facility would be able to host sports like hockey, figure skating, curling, basketball, volleyball, cheer and dance, as well as consumer shows, tournaments and community events…