Politics in a town like Naples, Florida, usually feels as predictable as the sunset over the Gulf. You have the manicured lawns, the high-end retail on Fifth Avenue, and a general vibe of "don't rock the boat." Then there's Teresa Heitmann. Honestly, if you follow local headlines, you know she’s probably the most polarizing figure to sit in the mayor’s chair in decades.
She didn't just stumble into City Hall. Heitmann spent years on the City Council before unseating the long-time incumbent Bill Barnett in 2020. Her platform was basically a rallying cry for anyone worried that Naples was losing its "small-town charm" to massive developers. She called it "Plan, Protect and Preserve." People loved it. At first.
But by 2024, the tide had shifted. Her re-election wasn't a landslide; it was a nail-biter. She beat Gary Price by exactly 22 votes. Twenty-two. You’ve probably had more people show up to a backyard BBQ than the margin that kept her in power. That slim victory tells you everything you need to know about the current state of Naples. The city is deeply split between those who see her as a shield against over-development and those who think she’s a roadblock to progress.
The Reality of the "22-Vote" Mandate
Winning by 22 votes in a city of over 16,000 residents is, well, awkward. It’s a win, sure. But it’s not exactly a mandate. Since that 2024 recount, Heitmann has had to navigate a Council that isn't always on her side.
Critics, especially in the real estate and development sectors, argue that her "preserve" mission has morphed into "obstruct." They point to delays in projects and a perceived hostility toward private property rights. Matthew Kragh, a local architect and a vocal supporter of her opponent, famously noted that while the pendulum needed to swing back from hyper-development, Heitmann may have pushed it too far the other way.
However, if you talk to the residents in neighborhoods like Aqualane Shores, where she lives, the perspective is different. To them, she’s the only thing standing between a quiet street and a three-story "McMansion" that blocks the sun. She’s focused heavily on:
- Water Quality: Pushing for better stormwater infrastructure to stop runoff from killing the Bay.
- The Ethics Code: Bringing in more oversight for how city business is actually conducted.
- Development Scales: Trying to keep building heights and densities from turning Naples into a mini-Miami.
It's a tough balance. You want the property values to stay high, but you don't want the traffic that comes with the growth that creates those values.
Controversies That Won't Go Away
You can't talk about Teresa Heitmann in 2026 without mentioning the elephant in the room. Or rather, the legal clouds that have followed her. In August 2024, she was arrested on charges of driving under the influence. According to police reports, her blood alcohol level was over $0.15$—nearly double the legal limit.
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This wasn't just a "minor hiccup" for her image. It became a political weapon. By late 2025, groups like Responsible Government Naples were publicly calling for her resignation. At budget workshops, members of these watchdog groups didn't hold back. They pointed to the fact that her trial had been delayed multiple times. They asked, "Is the Mayor above the law?"
She hasn't stepped down. Heitmann has remained defiant, often pivoting back to the work at hand—the airport noise, the seawall projects, and the 2025-2026 legislative priorities. It’s a classic political survival tactic: keep moving so the critics have to chase you.
The Fight Over the Naples Airport
One of the biggest headaches for the Mayor right now involves the Naples Municipal Airport. There's a massive rift between the city and state lawmakers over who should control it. For years, the City Council appointed the airport's board members. But state representatives, specifically Adam Botana, have pushed to change that to a county-wide elected board.
Why does this matter to you? Because the airport is a massive economic engine, but it's also a source of constant noise complaints for residents. Heitmann has been in the thick of this, trying to maintain city control while groups like "Friends of Naples Municipal Airport" threaten lawsuits. It’s messy. It’s loud. And it’s a prime example of how local power in Naples is being challenged by Tallahassee.
What's Actually Getting Done?
Away from the drama of the courtroom and the airport, there is actual governing happening. If you look at the City of Naples 2025-2026 Legislative Priorities, you’ll see a focus on things that affect your daily life:
- Stormwater Upgrades: The Basin IV project is a big one. They're putting in larger pipes along 17th Avenue South to stop the flash flooding that turns streets into canals every time a summer storm hits.
- Seawall Resilience: Following Hurricane Irma and Ian, the city is spending millions to rebuild seawalls along Gulf Shore Boulevard North. This is slated for construction through the 2025-26 fiscal year.
- Public Safety Tech: They’re replacing license plate readers and finally implementing a body-worn camera program for the Naples Police Department.
She also pushed for "Make Florida Affordable Again" initiatives. It’s a bit of a misnomer in a town where the median home price is astronomical, but the goal is to help long-standing residents keep their homestead status when they have to rebuild after a flood.
The Verdict on Heitmann's Leadership
Is she a hero or a hazard? It depends on which side of US-41 you’re standing on.
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She’s clearly a woman of conviction. She survived a recount and an ethics complaint filed by her predecessor. She has a deep, almost granular knowledge of Naples’ environmental needs. You’ve got to respect the hustle of a mayor who wins by 22 votes and then walks into a room of developers who funded her opponent and says, "We're doing things my way."
But the personal baggage—the DUI trial and the high staff turnover at City Hall—has created a "fatigue" among the electorate. People are tired of the noise. They want the water cleaned and the roads fixed without the side of political theater.
Actionable Insights for Naples Residents
If you’re living in Naples or thinking about moving there, you need to be more than a passive observer right now. The 2026 City Council elections are looming, and the balance of power is on a razor's edge.
- Watch the Airport Legislation: If the state successfully takes control of the airport board, the noise mitigation strategies Heitmann has supported could be tossed out the window.
- Monitor the Stormwater Tax: Most of these massive infrastructure projects are funded by assessments and taxes. Keep an eye on the budget workshops if you don't want a surprise on your property tax bill.
- Attend the Meetings: Honestly, the best way to cut through the gossip is to watch the City Council videos online. You'll see pretty quickly that the "Plan, Protect and Preserve" motto is being tested every single week by new development petitions.
The story of Teresa Heitmann isn't finished. Whether she survives the legal challenges and the political pressure from the state remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: she hasn't just "held" the office; she’s reshaped the conversation about what Naples should look like for the next thirty years.
To stay informed on specific project timelines, check the City of Naples Capital Improvement Plan for 2026. This document lists every seawall, pipe, and park renovation currently funded. You can also sign up for city "E-Communications" to get direct alerts about zoning changes in your specific neighborhood, which is often where the real "preservation" battles are won or lost.