- May 3, 2024
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For the past 10 years, Pete Celestino has been involved with the Flagler County Police Athletic League.
On Feb. 12, he was appointed by Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre as the new director. Celestino, who officially takes office Feb. 25, takes over for Richard Zerrahn, who retired.
Kim Hale has also joined the staff, and she will work alongside Celestino.
Celestino got started with PAL in 2002, when he was working as parks director for the county. He maintained that position until 2008. He volunteered more and more as his children got involved in sports, and eventually began coaching. He has been the baseball commissioner for past two seasons.
Now, as director, he’ll oversee all sports. Flagler PAL, which operates under the Sheriff’s Office, is the largest organization in the county to offer rec sports for local youngsters, including football, baseball, track, basketball and cheerleading.
Providing that opportunity for children and helping them stay out of trouble is the ultimate goal, Celestino said.
“All of our coaches are volunteers, and they become role models for these kids,” he said.
Celestino added that he always tells coaches that many years down the road, they will see former players around town.
“That happens to me, and it makes me feel real good,” he said.
As director, Celestino said he hopes to expand PAL. Currently, there are more than 500 youths who participate in a PAL sport.
“Our goals are to enhance the programs that we have, increase membership and create new programs,” Celestino said.
He said he plans to look at other PAL organizations and see what can be added in Flagler County.
Celestino said Manfre is very active in PAL, which helps promote the organization.
“(Manfre) was (active) his first term, and he wants more participation and wants to reach out to kids in need and get kids involved,” Celestino said.
In a statement, Manfre said both Celestino and Hale possess strong backgrounds in organized athletics.
“I think these appointments will strengthen the PAL program for the county and open new opportunities for our youngsters to be involved in sports,” Manfre said.
Although Celestino doesn’t officially take over for another week and a half, he said he has already started.
“I look forward to getting started,” he said.
