The Gulf Breeze UFO Sightings

Beginning in November 1987, the small Florida panhandle town of Gulf Breeze became the center of an intense UFO controversy. Building contractor Ed Walters produced dozens of photographs and video of unusual craft, while other residents reported their own sightings, creating one of the most debated UFO cases of the late 20th century.

Ed Walters’ Account

On November 11, 1987, Ed Walters reported observing a strange craft near his home. He grabbed a Polaroid camera and photographed the object—beginning a series of encounters that would produce over 40 photographs.

Walters described a blue beam that temporarily paralyzed him during one encounter. His wife and other family members corroborated some sightings.

The Photographs

Walters’ images showed a structured craft with lights in a distinct configuration. He used several different cameras, including a stereo camera that produced 3D images, which proponents argued would be difficult to fake.

Multiple Witnesses

Independently, other Gulf Breeze residents reported their own sightings. Groups of “skywatchers” formed, and photographs were taken by people with no connection to Walters. Over 100 residents reported UFO sightings during the Gulf Breeze wave.

The Controversy

The case became intensely controversial:

Critics noted:

• A model resembling Walters’ UFO was later found in a house he’d previously owned
• Some photographic analysis suggested manipulation
• MUFON investigator Rex Salisberry declared the case a hoax

Supporters argued:

• Multiple independent witnesses corroborated UFO activity
• The found model could have been planted
• Analysis by other experts found the photos authentic

Investigation

MUFON initially embraced the case, then split over its authenticity. The organization conducted extensive investigation, with members reaching opposing conclusions.

Walters passed lie detector tests and maintained his account until his death in 2014.

Legacy

Gulf Breeze demonstrates the difficulty of UFO investigation. Even with extensive photographic evidence and multiple witnesses, the case remains unresolved. Believers cite the corroborating witnesses; skeptics point to evidence suggesting fabrication.

The case illustrates how UFO reports can divide investigators and resist definitive conclusions.