ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The disc skating across the court is a welcome sound to the diehards who frequent the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club on Friday nights.

One of those diehards — who not only calls this place a hang, but also her job — is Lela Gonzalez. 

A career massage therapist for 22 years, she didn't find shuffleboard or the club until about seven years ago when she was volunteering at a nonprofit next door.

Hearing the laughter and courts filled with enthusiastic club members, Lela took an interest and started helping out around the club, which bills itself as the "World's Largest Shuffleboard Club."

It wasn't until the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, though, that she really found a love for shuffleboard. 

Now she's what you could call a shuffleboard fanatic.

She's even part of a team called "Get a Cue" that plays competitively. And while Lela has had more than a few years to perfect her form, she said shuffleboard is something everyone and anyone can try.

Friday nights at the St. Pete Shuffleboard club are open to members and and nonmembers, meaning anyone can come grab some equipment and hit the courts from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT. It's free for members and $10 per person for nonmembers. 

The lights and all-around good time vibes make it a perfect date night, family night or a night to find that you might just have a brand new passion and hobby. 

The club also has a host of different events and tournaments throughout the year, so be sure to head to its website.