Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann publicly speaks about DUI arrest

Author: Camila Pereira, Liz Biro Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:

Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann spoke publicly during a Naples City Council meeting regarding her DUI arrest last Thursday.

Mayor Heitmann addressed the public during the council meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

“I am profoundly sorry for the impact that it has had on my friends, family, constituents, city staff, and the public,” she read from a statement.

Heitmann also expressed gratitude for the support received from peers and the community.

She then concluded her statement, stating that she would continue to serve with integrity and hoped the public would accept her apology.

Below is Mayor Heitmann’s statement:

“I will read a statement to you as your mayor. I take my responsibilities to the public very seriously. I want to speak directly to the public about the incident that occurred last week. I waited until now to address you. I believe the public deserves transparency regarding this issue. I have full remorse. The toll this has taken on my family cannot be easily put into words. I am profoundly sorry for the impact that it has had on my friends, family, constituents, city staff, and the public. I am humbled by the outpouring of support I have received from the community and am grateful for the understanding, compassion, and kindness. I intend to reflect and address this personally and am determined to earn back your trust. I will continue to serve this community with the integrity and dedication you deserve. I have demonstrated 12 years of public service to the great city of Naples. I hope you accept my apology.”

The Naples Police Department arrested Heitmann on Thursday night after a caller stated that she was following him and his wife home.

The couple then reported the incident to the police, stating that the woman was claiming to be the mayor and appeared intoxicated.

According to police, Heitmann participated in a breathalyzer exam, which resulted in a blood alcohol content of 0.155 and 0.169, twice the legal limit.

Others don’t see a DUI as just a mistake, especially with these circumstances.

We spoke with Larry Coggins, the Regional Executive Director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

“Here’s a person that works for the people, elected by the people, put all those people in danger by the grace nobody was hurt or killed,” Coggins said.

Coggins said a DUI is not just a traffic offense and not “uh-oh.”

“Try looking at the eyes of these parents that don’t have their children anymore. Look in the eyes of children who are orphans because of your drunk driver. Look in the eyes of the people that we work with every single day, and you tell them it’s just a whoopsie,” Coggins said.

WINK News reached out to Heitmann for a statement after her arrest, where she responded via text message:

“I apologize for making a mistake. I have an attorney and no comment at this time. I am sorry. I will reach out when I can.”

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