New Bedford Day in Fort Myers, Florida Faces Big Changes

For 20 years, New Bedford snowbirds who winter in sunny Florida and those who've moved there permanently have gathered in Fort Myers to celebrate their hometown.

New Bedford Day was founded in 2004 by former New Bedford Mayor Brian J. Lawler and his wife Johan. The Lawlers, recognizing the benefits of bringing hundreds of former New Bedfordites together to reminisce and renew old acquaintances, designated the second Tuesday in March as New Bedford Day.

New Bedford Day was held for 20 years at The Shell Factory & Nature Park on Route 41 in North Fort Myers.

The 21st celebration of New Bedford Day on March 11, 2025, will be in a new location.

That's not the only change.

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Mayor Lawler, who turned 84 on June 26, 2024, has stepped aside as the event's host.

A three-person executive board, consisting of At-Large New Bedford City Councilor Ian Abreu, former Shawmut Diner owner and WBSM talk host Phil Paleologos, and New Bedford native Steve Ferreira will guide New Bedford Day into the future.

Abreu said The Shell Factory is "too small and outdated." He said a new location is being sought for next year's event.

"We plan to incorporate more live entertainment, local/New Bedford-centric foods, and an overall fresher look that everyone will love," Abreu said.

Details about the new location could be announced soon.

Last March, I attended my first New Bedford Day celebration in North Fort Myers. I saw so many old friends and made new ones. It was amazing.

I look forward to seeing what Ian, Phil and Steve have in mind for the 21st New Bedford Day celebration. They will have to work hard to fill the shoes of Brian and Johan Lawler.