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The College is closed for Winter Break starting at 5 p.m. on Dec. 19, and will reopen at 8 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2026. Spring classes begin Jan. 20 - apply online 24/7 here. 

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Falcon Central

Tickets on sale now for the 2026 Palm Coast Songwriters Festival

Musicians playing onstage at the Palm Coast Songwriters Festival.

Get ready for an extraordinary week of STARS, STRIPES, & STORIES (a tribute to America’s 250th Birthday) featuring live musical performances and storytelling as the 8th Annual Palm Coast Songwriters Festival takes center stage from April 22 to April 26, 2026. Featuring an ALL-STAR lineup of over 45 hit singer/songwriters with more than 200 #1 hits, this festival offers an exclusive and intimate experience like no other.

Festival Schedule that includes ALL STAR Singer/Songwriters at every show:

  • Wednesday, April 22: Free Preview Show at the Golden Lion Café (4-8 p.m.)
  • Thursday, April 23: Free show at Hammock Grill by JT’s (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.), followed by ticketed KICK OFF SHOW at the Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater (4:30-10:15 p.m.)
  • Friday, April 24: Exclusive shows at Hammock Beach Resort (11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., members & guests only) and evening ticketed performances at the Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater (5-10 p.m.)
  • Saturday, April 25: Bloody Mary Brunch Bash at The Landing Strip Tavern ticketed show (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.), followed by evening ticketed performances at the Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater (5-10 p.m.)  
  • Sunday, April 26: Grand finale with performances at the Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater (1-6:30 p.m.) 

Elite Songwriters and Their Hits 
The 2026 Palm Coast Songwriters Festival again boasts a lineup of elite Nashville songwriters whose work has topped the charts and been performed by some of the biggest names in music. From timeless classics to today’s chart-topping hits, these writers span decades of musical brilliance. Here are just a few of the talented writers performing this year: 

  • Jeffrey Steele – Known for 85+ top ten hits including "What Hurts the Most" and "My Wish" (Rascal Flatts).
  • Jamie O’Neal – Recording artist and songwriter with hits like "There Is No Arizona”, "Somebody’s Hero”, and “When I Think About Angels”
  • The Warren Brothers – Writers of "Red Solo Cup" (Toby Keith) and "If You’re Reading This" (Tim McGraw).
  • Jimmy Yeary – Writer of "She’s Somebody’s Daughter” (Drew Baldridge), I Drive Your Truck" (Lee Brice) and "Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” (David Lee Murphy & Kenny Chesney).  Chris DeStefano – Known for "Something in the Water" (Carrie Underwood) and “At the End of a Bar” (Chris Young featuring Mitchell Tenpenny).
  • And so many more! 

This Festival also helps raise funds for the Daytona State College Foundation, Flagler County Education Foundation, Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia Counties, Gold Star Mentors Foundation, and Neighbor To Family Organization.  

Don’t Miss Out! 
For more information including a complete schedule, artists bios, and to purchase your tickets now for this one-of-a-kind musical experience, visit www.PalmCoastSongwritersFestival.com  

 

DSC Scam Alert! Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Messages 

Scam alert graphic.

Attention Falcons!
 
Scammers are actively targeting college students with messages designed to trick you into clicking harmful links or sharing personal and financial information.
 
Watch out for:

  • Emails or texts pretending to be from Daytona State College, professors, or financial aid offices.
  • Fake job offers, scholarships, or urgent financial assistance.
  • Requests for banking info, login credentials, or gift card purchases.

 
Protect yourself:

  • Don’t click on unexpected links or attachments.
  • Verify the sender—official email addresses end with @DaytonaState.edu
  • Report suspicious messages to HelpDesk@daytonastate.edu.

 
Daytona State College will never ask for sensitive information via email or text. If something feels off, trust your instincts and reach out.
 
Stay safe,
Campus Safety

 

Expanding the On-Campus Living Experience

DSC's second residence hall renderingOur capital campaign to build a second student residence hall on the Daytona Beach Campus is underway and you are invited to help our students!

 

The new facility, which is expected to house approximately 256 students, could open as early as Fall 2026.

Our first residence hall has been a resounding success. It opened to full capacity in Fall 2022. It is already at full capacity for the upcoming academic year. And we have received more than 1,000 student housing applications in less than one year. 

When we began studying the possibility of building housing on campus in 2018, a study we commissioned showed the college could support more than 500 students. Initial plans for the second residence hall call for approximately 52,000 square feet of space and approximately 256 beds.

We know that students who live on campus are more engaged with their instructors, utilize academic support systems more frequently, and participate more in on-campus activities.

With the DSC Foundation, we’re launching a $16 million capital campaign. Donations from the community will ensure our residence hall will be an affordable and accessible option for students. We need your support. Make your gift here, or contact the Daytona State College Foundation at Foundation@DaytonaState.edu or by calling (386) 506-3195.

You can learn more at the new residence hall web page and keep tabs on the campaign’s progress. 

Fundraising campaign thermometer

Outstanding Employee Scott Metzger

Honoring Employee Scott Metzger

It’s our great pleasure to share that Scott Metzger received a Service Excellence Award this week during our Senior Executive Staff meeting.

Scott’s journey with Daytona State began 36 years ago in 1989, when he enrolled at what was then Daytona Beach Community College (DBCC). During that time, he discovered a passion for helping others through tutoring. After transferring to UCF, he continued supporting Daytona State students while dual-enrolled at the UCF Daytona Beach Campus.

Initially pursuing a degree in liberal studies with plans to teach, Scott found his true calling in tutoring and academic support. Just three weeks after graduating from UCF, a full-time tutoring position opened at DBCC and he’s been in that role ever since.

For more than three decades Scott has been a steady, guiding presence for generations of students, finding joy in those “lightbulb moments” when a challenging concept suddenly clicks. He provides support across a wide range of topics including Mathematical Thinking, Nursing Math, Photoshop and standardized test prep.

“Scott is an ideal employee and inspiration to students and colleagues,” says Dana Davidson, Associate Director of the Academic Support Center. “He continues to work hard and cares as much today as he did when he started as a tutor all those years ago.”

Outside of work, Scott has published superhero novels, collaborated with ASC Senior Specialist Debra Leonard on creating role-playing games and collects 1970s Mego superhero figures – even freelancing for Mego as a costume designer.

Scott truly embodies what it means to be a Daytona State Falcon. 

Please join us in congratulating Scott on his outstanding service and lasting commitment to our mission. 

Outstanding Employee Samuel Finken

Honoring Employee Samuel Finken

It’s our pleasure to share that Samuel Finken received a Service Excellence Award this week during our Senior Executive Staff meeting.

Samuel began with us as a student where he discovered his passion for theater technology. After years of freelancing, he joined the News-Journal Center team in 2012, later spent time at Orlando Family Stage, and returned to DSC in 2022 as Technical Director.

Samuel knows the News-Journal Center inside and out. He understands the vision behind the facility and carries a genuine sense of stewardship for the space and the programs it supports. Some people come to work. Samuel comes to protect, improve and elevate a decade-long vision. Under his leadership, NJC productions continue to push boundaries with moving lights, upgraded audio and video systems and stage designs that rival much larger venues. For Samuel, “business as usual” is never good enough – if he works on a system, it becomes “better than it has ever been.” What truly sets Samuel apart is his support and mentorship for faculty, staff and students. He trains students to meet and exceed industry standards, celebrates their growth and takes pride when they return as accomplished professionals. Watching people succeed is his favorite part of the job.

Samuel’s default setting is excellence, and his integrity, kindness and faith elevate everyone around him.

Please join us in congratulating Samuel on his outstanding service and lasting commitment to our mission. 

Discover more!