Local Manatee cancels plans for controversial Lakewood Ranch ice rink. Here’s why By Carter Weinhofer September 2, 2026 5:50 AM Bradenton Controversial plans to build an ice rink in Lakewood Ranch melted Tuesday after a heated discussion between Manatee County commissioners and the project developer. Commissioners unanimously voted to end negotiations with Icemann Development, LLC, a private company that had been in talks since February to bring an indoor sports multiplex to Premier Sports Campus North. Plans for the ice rink dubbed “Project Grace” included four sheets of ice, athletic training facilities, food and beverage services, retail space and an approximately 800-space paid parking garage. The construction budget, which would have been privately-funded, was up to $80 million. The denial follows weeks of public outcry from neighboring residents who opposed the project’s location and proximity to residential neighborhoods. The proposal also faced pushback from commissioners who were critical of the idea. “Premier Park was supposed to be a county park for county people, and it sounds like what we’re doing here is we’re giving a private facility, you know, land in Premier Park so that they can build this,” Commissioner Bob McCann said. At the commission’s July 28 meeting, McCann made a motion to have staff bring back an evaluation of alternative sites for the ice rink, but Icemann Development did not want to explore any other site. Commissioners largely agreed that the information brought forward was insufficient and not planned well enough, leading to the denial of further negotiations. Commissioner Jason Bearden grilled Gordie Zimmermann, CEO of Icemann Development, LLC, about plans to build an ice rink at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch during the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com Ice rink draws criticism from residents, commissioners McCann’s July motion directed county staff to pause discussions with Icemann Development, explore alternative locations and return with more information to address residents’ concerns. McCann also made it clear that he did not want the ice rink complex at Premier Sports Campus. The sports complex was proposed for the corner of Premier Sports Complex North near the intersection of Rangeland Parkway and Uihlein Road. The northeast corner of Premier Sports Campus is pictured on Nov. 3, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com Director of Development Services Nicole Knapp told commissioners that many questions about concerns like stormwater, parking, traffic and other environmental concerns could not be answered because no formal application or site plan had been submitted. She also said the proposed ice rink “is not considered to be a mass seating facility or major attractor,” and would be more comparable to a medium-sized facility like the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex. Gordie Zimmermann, CEO of Icemann Development , said the spot at Premier Sports would be an ideal location, and he was not interested in any other site. “If we don’t build an ice rink, they’re going to build a gymnastic center. They’re going to build a multi-purpose volleyball center. An ice rink is just a soccer field with a roof on it. I don’t understand the problem,” Zimmermann said. “These things belong in this type of development. It’s for the community.” Zimmermann touted his experience and financial backing, but Commissioner Jason Bearden grilled him for refusing to share specifics. “We’re jumping into this without a business plan. What kind of bullcrap is this? What are you bringing up to us right now? This is ridiculous,” Bearden said. “You don’t even have a break even analysis...You’re a businessman. You should have that. You should be able to know that on the top of your head.” Zimmermann added that he has a 10-year business plan, and projected the rink would be profitable in three years. “We were invited here by Manatee County because we have proven success, and we are trying to grow the game and come to a great community, which is Lakewood Ranch. It’s going to be a national recognized project,” Zimmermann said. “Wonderful. I don’t care about that. That doesn’t matter to me,” Bearden replied, again pressing Zimmermann for specifics. Zimmermann’s argument wasn’t enough to sway commissioners, specifically Bearden and McCann who continued to interrogate Zimmermann about the plan. Tensions rose between Bearden and Zimmermann as the two went back and forth during a line of questioning. Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Elliott Falcione and Gordie Zimmerman, CEO of Icemann Development, LLC, address the board at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com During the commissioners’ questions, Zimmermann said he was not asked by county staff to provide additional information like revenue models, pricing and a timeline for return on investment. Bearden also worried about how the proposed ice rink would draw business away from the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex . “I just don’t believe that we need to be competing with private industry, and possibly shutting another business down in town that it’s been here for years upon years,” Bearden said. “That wasn’t even looked at, and I don’t appreciate that that wasn’t looked at.” According to a market research firm, the project was expected to generate $30 million in annual economic stimulus in the area. Manatee County previously agreed to refund up to $5 million in Tourism Development Tax funds to support the ice rink. Manatee ends ice rink negotiations After questioning Zimmermann, commissioners agreed that the deal with Icemann Development should not continue. “This is clearly just not baked, and so it just needs someone else, a new proposal, some other project,” Commissioner Tal Siddique said. “At this point, I wouldn’t even feel comfortable moving this to another meeting. I’d rather just say no and move on at this point.” McCann motioned to stop the project altogether, and public comment remained relatively brief once residents saw commissioners were likely heading toward stopping the project. However, residents submitted hundreds of pages of comments ahead of Tuesday’s meeting in opposition to the project. Some residents still spoke about how they believe the land should be used for something more publicly-accessible, or a more suitable private partner. “(Director of Convention & Visitors Bureau Elliott Falcione) at one point had specified that the plan, the dream, that Premier Sports South Campus would be the economic development and Premier Sports North Campus would be for the community, and seems like we did a little bit of a veering away from that. And I would just kindly ask to please put it back on the focus of the community,” resident Tom Hirt said. “I challenge the commissioners, going forward, to negotiate with a private partner for a win for Manatee County, a win for the residents of Lakewood Ranch and a win for the private partner,” resident Mark Schumacher said. Commissioners voted unanimously to stop negotiations with Icemann Development, putting an end to the ice rink plan at Premier Sports Campus. Commissioners Amanda Ballard and Tal Siddique at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com Carter Weinhofer Bradenton Herald Email this person Carter Weinhofer is the Bradenton Herald’s Accountability Reporter. He covers politics, development and other local issues. Carter’s work has received recognition from the Florida Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Florida Society of News Editors. He graduated from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg.
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