It may be close to 80 degrees during December in Florida, but for the last few years, both the cities of Gainesville and Ocala have brought a little winter weather to town with a temporary ice skating rink.

But this year, neither city will have one because of it simply became too expensive.

Last year, it cost the city of Gainesville almost 142-thousand dollars to bring in the rink, and despite a big turn-out, they still lost a lot of money.

This year, they only received two bids from vendors, both of which were far more expensive and well out of their price range.

Downtown business owners who saw an increase in customers the last few Decembers say they are disappointed that the rinks will not be back this year, but say they understand why the decision was made.

By David Hamilton/WCJB TV 20 News