The First Gulf Breeze Photograph

On November 11, 1987, building contractor Ed Walters stepped outside his home in Gulf Breeze, Florida and observed a strange glowing object in the sky. He grabbed his Polaroid camera and captured what would become the first of many controversial UFO photographs that would make Gulf Breeze famous.

Ed Walters

The photographer:

• Building contractor
• Gulf Breeze resident
• No UFO interest prior
• Photography hobby
• Became central figure

The Night

November 11, 1987:

• Early evening
• From his home
• Noticed glow
• Retrieved camera
• Captured image

The First Photo

Image showed:

• Glowing craft
• Blue beam below
• Structured appearance
• Classic UFO shape
• Clear Polaroid

The Object

Walters described:

• Disc with dome
• Multiple ports
• Glowing intensely
• Blue light beam
• Not aircraft

Initial Reaction

Walters:

• Showed wife
• Decided to report
• Contacted newspaper
• Anonymously at first
• Then publicly

The Newspaper

Gulf Breeze Sentinel:

• Published photo
• Public interest exploded
• More photos followed
• Controversy began
• National attention

Subsequent Photos

Following months:

• Multiple images
• Different angles
• Various locations
• Consistent object
• Growing collection

The Polaroid Factor

Using Polaroid:

• Instant development
• Hard to fake
• No negative manipulation
• But techniques exist
• Debate continues

The Blue Beam

Distinctive feature:

• Light projecting down
• In photos
• Walters claimed effects
• Transported or lifted
• Dramatic element

Investigation

MUFON researchers:

• Examined photos
• Interviewed Walters
• Some convinced
• Others skeptical
• Divided opinion

Supporting Evidence

For authenticity:

• Multiple photos
• Other witnesses emerged
• MUFON analysis
• Consistent object
• Walters’ character

Against Authenticity

Critics noted:

• Model later found
• In former home
• Possible hoax
• Financial motive
• Questions raised

The Model Discovery

New homeowners:

• Found foam model
• Similar to photos
• In attic space
• Damaging evidence
• But Walters denied

Walters’ Position

He maintained:

• Photos genuine
• Model not his
• Planted evidence
• Harassment
• Never admitted hoax

The Other Witnesses

Beyond Walters:

• Hundreds reported
• Similar objects
• Gulf Breeze area
• Wave phenomenon
• Independent sightings

Significance

The first photo is significant for:

• Beginning the saga
• Launching controversy
• Documentation effort
• Polaroid evidence
• Ongoing debate

Legacy

The first Gulf Breeze photograph launched one of the most controversial UFO photo cases in history. Whether the photos were genuine or hoaxed, the subsequent wave of sightings by other witnesses suggests something unusual was occurring in the area.