Citizens group calls for Teresa Heitmann’s resignation as Naples Mayor

A budget workshop in Naples kicked off Monday with a call for Mayor Teresa Heitmann’s resignation.

Sean Nash, a member of watchdog group Responsible Government Naples, cited Heitmann’s drunk driving arrest and a move by state lawmakers to take oversight of the local airport from the city as he castigated the elected official.

“I’m officially asking for your resignation on behalf of Responsible Government Naples,” Nash said. “Do the right thing. Step down honorably for the city of Naples and make space for a trustworthy, accountable leader we can respect.”

Heitmann responded by questioning the tactics and those of the Friends of Naples Municipal Airport, a group that last week announced it would sue the city over airport decisions.

“Mr. Nash, being threatened by friends of one of your members of Friends of the Airport is not good character,” Heitmann said, “so we’ll leave it at that.”

She continued to reside over the seven-hour workshop and a separate short meeting the same evening.

In Nash’s comments, he laid out a series of personal concerns about Heitmann’s handling of an arrest more than a year ago on charges she was driving under the influence. Booking sheets showed the Mayor had a blood alcohol level greater than 0.15 and was driving with a child under the age of 18 in her vehicle.

But she has yet to face trial for the charges, which date back to August 2024.

“We’re all human. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s how you handle those mistakes that is the true test of one’s character,” Nash said.

“The lack of accountability you have shown in your handling of your DUI trial is a failure of that test and an insult to the people of Naples. Instead of allowing the justice system to function, you have used your influence and position to delay your trial over six times. You are not above the law simply because you sit in that chair. It leads me to wonder, what other kind of abuses of money power in the system are happening at your hands that we don’t even know about.”

He also took issue with the city’s management of the Naples airport.

The Collier County legislative delegation just advanced legislation that could shift the five seats on that board from city-appointed ones to countywide elected offices, and take the power to fill vacancies away from the Naples City Council. Rep. Adam Botana, a Bonita Springs Republican, filed a local bill to that effect, which was unanimously passed by Collier lawmakers.

“At the state level, our leaders have lost faith in your ability to manage this city effectively,” Nash said.

Also noting a high turnover rate at City Hall, Nash said Naples has reached a “tipping point” and that Heitmann must leave office.

In March last year, Heitmann won a second term as Mayor, beating former City Councilman Gary Price by just 22 votes. She won office in 2020, unseating incumbent Mayor Bill Barnett.

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