T.S. Hermine Forces PEPSI GULF COAST JAM Cancellation

In an abundance of caution, as Tropical Storm Hermine approaches the Florida Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach officials and organizers of the 4th Annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam have been forced to cancel this year's festival due to high winds expected Thursday night.

As one of the premier Labor Day weekend music festivals, the construction of the festival venue is a massive undertaking that takes nearly a week to erect the festival village and performance stage.

With an excess of five inches of rain and sustained winds up to 40 miles-per-hour expected on Thursday night, the overnight wind storm will create a hazardous situation that requires the stage and festival tents to be taKen Down and secured. Even though the storm is expected to have passed the City by early Friday morning, there is not enough time necessary this weekend to reconstruct the festival venue and performance stage

"Safety is the first concern for our visitors, country music fans and the festival organizers and sponsors," said Panama City Beach Mayor Mike Thomas. "I truly appreciate all the planning and work that the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Producers, the Emergency Operations Center, PCB Police Chief Drew Whitman and city staff have done in preparation of having to make this difficult decision. We're disappointed that we have had to cancel this weekend's show, but hope all of the fans enjoy their weekend on the beach. We look forward to welcoming the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam back next year."

"In 30 years of business, this is the first time I've even been a part of something like this," said Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. "The owners of Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam are devastated and deeply saddened but are also humbled by the enormous love and response from our fans and the city. Now we need to turn focus to the people who are in the direct line of the storm and pray for God's direct protection over them. This doesn't stop us or defeat us. We'll see you in Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam 2017!"

All tickets purchased through official Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam ticket outlets are eligible for refunds. Fans also have the option of leaving their tickets in the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam ticket system and redeeming them at next year's festival. Details on refunds will be posted next week at www.gulfcoastjam.com.