Calls for Naples mayor to step down grow after her second arrest within 2 years

NAPLES, Fla. —

Former Collier County Republican Party Chair Scott Lepore, who chairs Naples Better Government, says he has phoned Gov. Ron DeSantis' office, asking that he remove Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann after her second arrest while in office.

Heitmann, 62, was arrested in 2024 for a DUI charge. Police video showed her trying to walk a straight line, and an officer said he smelled alcohol on her breath before charging her with DUI, a charge she later pleaded no contest to.

She was sentenced to one year of probation, and on March 26, Heitmann tested positive for cannabinoids and was arrested again on April 2o for a violation of her probation. She posted a $10,000 bond and was released.

"At 3:08 Tuesday, I called Governor Ron DeSantis' office, and I requested he remove the mayor of Naples," Lepore said.

He said you cannot run the mayor's office from a jail cell.

"The best thing to do would be for the mayor to resign her position and allow the vice mayor to become mayor, and then we would have the mayor elected in the next election," Lepore said.

Many residents also agree that Heitmann should resign without being asked.

"I don't think they should call on her to step down. I think she should step down on her own without having to be prompted to do so," said Nikki Reynen.

Janet Sherr of Naples said she does not believe Heitmann is a good example of a political leader.

Heitmann was not in her office on Wednesday after posting a $10,000 bond. She did not respond to our request for an interview, but said she would eventually release a statement.

Naples City Council meets on May 6. There is no indication that Heitmann will not be there unless the governor steps in or she steps down.

Collier County Sheriff's Office

Teresa Heitmann’s mugshot.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.