The Gulf Breeze UFO Sightings

Beginning in November 1987, contractor Ed Walters of Gulf Breeze, Florida photographed UFOs on multiple occasions. His compelling images generated enormous controversy, but the subsequent UFO wave in Gulf Breeze involved hundreds of other witnesses who reported similar objects, making this case more than just one man’s claims.

Ed Walters

The primary witness:

• Building contractor
• Gulf Breeze resident
• Photography hobby
• Multiple sightings
• Controversial figure

The First Sighting

November 11, 1987:

• Saw object from home
• Grabbed Polaroid camera
• Multiple photos
• Strange craft
• Beginning of series

The Photographs

Walters captured:

• Multiple images
• Various dates
• Different locations
• Consistent object
• Compelling visuals

The Object

In photos:

• Disc with dome
• Multiple ports/lights
• Glowing bottom
• Consistent appearance
• Detailed structure

The Book

“The Gulf Breeze Sightings”:

• Published 1990
• Became bestseller
• Photos included
• Detailed account
• National attention

MUFON Investigation

UFO researchers:

• Examined photos
• Interviewed Walters
• Some believed
• Some skeptical
• Divided opinion

The Other Witnesses

Beyond Walters:

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

The Controversy

Problems emerged:

• Model UFO found
• In Walters’ former home
• Questions about photos
• Divided researchers
• Ongoing debate

The Model

Critics pointed to:

• Foam UFO model found
• By new homeowners
• Similar to photos
• Possible hoax evidence
• Walters denied connection

Supporting Evidence

Believers noted:

• Other witnesses saw same
• Independent sightings
• Radar returns reported
• MUFON analysis
• Not just Walters

The Wave

Gulf Breeze became:

• UFO hotspot
• Regular sightings
• Watch groups formed
• “Bubba” nickname
• For regular object

Shoreline Park

Watchers gathered:

• At the park
• To observe skies
• Multiple sightings
• Community activity
• Regular events

Analysis of Photos

Photo experts:

• Studied images
• Some found authentic
• Others found issues
• No consensus
• Debate continues

Walters’ Position

Ed Walters:

• Maintained authenticity
• Never admitted hoax
• Continued claims
• Until his death
• Controversial legacy

The Community

Gulf Breeze:

• Embraced reputation
• Tourist attraction
• UFO culture
• Ongoing sightings
• Community divided

Significance

Gulf Breeze is significant for:

• Mass sighting wave
• Photographic evidence
• Ongoing controversy
• Community involvement
• Multiple witnesses

Legacy

The Gulf Breeze UFO case remains highly controversial. While the Walters photographs are disputed, the wave of sightings by other witnesses in the area suggests something unusual was occurring, making this more than a simple hoax case.