The Rotary Club of Flagler County held its annual Installation Dinner on June 25, 2026, installing Kenneth Costa as the club’s president for the 2026-2027 term. Costa succeeds outgoing President Michelle Bartlome, who led the club through a year of notable growth and increased community involvement. The leadership transition carried a personal dimension as well — Bartlome passed the ceremonial gavel to her father, continuing a family tradition of Rotary service that spans multiple generations. Costa is no stranger to Rotary leadership. A member since 1983, he previously served as president of the Dunellen-Greenbrook Rotary Club in New Jersey and holds the distinction of Paul Harris Fellow and sustaining member. A retired dentist, Costa brings more than four decades of Rotary experience to the role.
Under Bartlome’s leadership, the club saw nearly 25 percent membership growth, adding more than 20 new members over the course of the year. The club awarded $10,000 in scholarships through the Flagler County Education Foundation and directed more than $20,000 toward local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. The 20th anniversary season of Fantasy Lights, the club’s signature holiday fundraiser, generated $34,000 in net proceeds while drawing stronger attendance than prior years. Additional highlights from the past year included partnerships with the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, the Rotary Club of Bunnell Satellite Club, and the Palm Coast Lions Club, quarterly roadside cleanups near Seminole Woods, continued support of the Interact Club at Flagler Palm Coast High School, and early exploration of a potential Rotaract Club at Daytona State College.
“Rotary only succeeds because people are willing to give their time and energy in service to others,” said incoming President Costa. “I am proud of what this club accomplished together, and even more proud of the people who made it happen.” The evening also included a round of club awards recognizing members for their contributions throughout the year. Award recipients included Derrick Hardin as Rotarian of the Year, Cha’ron Davis as Rookie of the Year, Laura Chavez-Salazar for Service Above Self, Bill Lyon for Significant Service, Carl Laundrie for the Hall of Fame Award, Art Shuster for Financial Stewardship, Selina Hernandez for the Presidential Award, and Yvette Alleman and Howard Holley for the Legacy Rotarian Award. A number of members and supporters were also recognized as Paul Harris Fellows, an honor given to those whose cumulative contributions to The Rotary Foundation have reached $1,000 or more.
The 2026-2027 Board of Directors includes President Kenneth Costa, President-Elect Laura Chavez-Salazar, Past President Michelle Bartlome, Vice President Vijay Jain, Treasurer Joe Stafford, Secretary Susan Steadman, Sergeant-at-Arms Laura Zublionis, and directors Yvette Alleman, Charles Barbel, Cha’ron Davis, Marcus Duffy, Derrick Hardin, Selina Hernandez, Giulio Lancia, Kathleen Rivera, and Maralee Walsh-McDaniel. For more information about the Rotary Club of Flagler County, visit flaglerrotary.org.
