NUFORC Sighting 49311

Occurred: 2006-02-26 19:30 Local
Reported: 2006-02-27 08:14 Pacific
Duration: 25 - 30 mins
No of observers: 2

Location: Tampa, FL, USA

Shape: Unknown
Characteristics: Lights on object, Aircraft nearby

Large diamond or saucer-shaped obect just north of Tampa, FL with red flashing lights top and bottom and white lights at ends.

Beginning at approximately 7:30pm EST I noticed a odd configuration of lights west of my location which would just to the north of the Tampa International airport. There were two alternating flashing red lights on top of each other and white non-flashing lights to the left and right about 2.5 to 3 times as far apart as the red lights. The red and white lights formed an elongated diamond shape (I was never able to make out any physical shape). I observed the grouping of lights remain stationary for about 5 mins and then they collectively drifted very slowly in a northward directly a short distance and stopped again. They maintained the same position this time for about 20 mins. Then, the grouping of ligths dipped slightly clock-wise relative to my position and the object drifted to my right (northward) again, tipped sligthly in a counter-clockwise direction and then moved very quickly in a west or south-west direction, disappearing over the horizon directly west of my position within about 3 or 4 seconds. About 10 seconds later I saw plane fly over heading in the exact direction of the object moving very quickly relative to other routine air traffic in the area (looked like a fighter jet). Possibilities ruled out for object: traditional airplane - too big and stationary for 20 mins, grouping of helicopters - none of the individual lights ever changed position relative to the others (not even remotely) and object moved too fast to be a helicopter or multiple helicopters, blimp - far larger than any blimp I've ever seen and moved much faster than a blimp when it did move, hot air ballon - don't think so, lights on building - buildings and radio towers don't move.

I was working late on a Sunday so the other person around was the security guard on duty who also witnessed the object. Address of sighting: XXXX E Palm Avenue Tampa, FL 33605 looking west-northwest.

Posted 2006-03-11

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