Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann won her second term just months ago, but now faces a criminal charge after driving under the influence of alcohol.
Naples police arrested Heitmann Wednesday night and took her to the Naples Jail Center for a breath test ― which revealed unlawful blood alcohol levels.
More: Marco Island City Council Vice Chairman Erik Brechnitz arrested, charged with DUI
Here's what to know about the mayor of Naples and her DUI charge:
Who is Teresa Heitmann? Four things to know
- Heitmann, 61, has been a local in Naples since 1988.
- Before beginning her political career , she worked in marketing, purchasing, sales, and long-range planning for companies like Revlon Cosmetics and Jarrod's.
- Heitmann was elected to the Naples City Council in 2008, marking the beginning of her political career. She served on the City Council through 2016.
- She was elected mayor in 2020 and served for four years before being reelected earlier this year. Heitmann won her reelection by just 22 votes ― resulting in a mandatory recount . The recount confirmed her win on March 23, 2024.
Why was the mayor of Naples arrested?
Naples police responded to a call for service from a resident living in the 500 block of 16th Avenue South. The resident reported that a woman driving a silver vehicle was following him and his wife.
According to a press release from NPD, when the resident and his wife arrived to their home, the woman driving the silver vehicle parked in their front yard. The resident called the police after the woman claimed to be the mayor and appeared intoxicated.
Police identified the woman as Mayor Teresa Heitmann after arriving to the scene and observing her "in physical control of her vehicle."
She agreed to field sobriety exercises, but the results led to the police arresting Heitmann "for driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance."
The police said Heitmann completed a breath test to determine her blood alcohol content after being transported to the Naples Jail Center. Her blood alcohol content read 0.155 and 0.169. The legal limit in Florida is 0.08 .
Police report that, "Heitmann was charged under Florida State Statute 316.193(4), Driving Under the Influence with Blood Alcohol 0.15 or higher."
What is the penalty for a DUI charge in Florida?
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the fine for a first-time conviction can be between $500 to $1,000. If the driver's blood alcohol level is 0.15 or higher or if there's a minor in the vehicle, the fine can be between $1,000 and $2,000.
A DUI violation may have additional penalties assessed by the court such as a residential alcoholism treatment program or imprisonment.
The driver may also have their driver's license revoked for a minimum of 180 days and a maximum of one year for a first offense.
About the Naples mayor position
- PAY : $54,100 annually
- DUTIES: Head of city government, oversees city council, voting member of city council to decide on local issues and laws
- TERM: The mayor serves for a four-year term before needing to be reelected. The mayor is limited to two consecutive terms.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Who is Teresa Heitmann? What to know about Naples mayor arrested for drunk driving
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