Florida State College at Jacksonville ALL over the news this morning!

NEW: FIRST COAST NEWS VIDEO UPLOADS

We're collecting these video pieces and will post them here as soon as we get them.  I caught one this morning while I was getting ready for work. My DVR wasn't working AGAIN this morning, so I grabbed my flip cam and recorded the culinary piece for you.  Please disregard the hot pink walls and soccer cleats.  

Here's web script written by First Coast News Anchor Phil Amato:

JACKSONVILLE - These days everyone is looking for a great deal. Look no further than the Florida State College of Jacksonville's North Campus for everyday services at unbelievable prices. The school has training programs for students who need to practice their craft. The public pays just pennies on the dollar for haircuts, perms, facials, manicures, dental work, massages and gourmet dining.

DISCOUNT MASSAGES

Stressed out? Need a massage? Trained students at FSCJ's Massage Therapy Program can give you a relaxing massage starting at just $13 for a 50 minute session. The same massage at spas can run from $50 to $130. "They are very well trained by the time they are working on the public. They can do up to seven types of massages," says Massage Instructor Debra Tomko. She says it takes about a year, 750-hours of training, for students to become fully trained massage therapists. It's best to make an appointment but they do accept walk-ins at the school. The clinic is open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday starting in May from 9:00 am to 2:15 pm. Call (904) 766-5559 for an appointment.

INEXPENSIVE HAIRCUTS & COSMETOLOGY DEALS

If your hairdo needs tending to at a good price you can head to FSCJ's Cosmetology School. A cut and style will cost just $10. A permanent with a cut is priced at $27. Beginning students practice on "mannequin heads" before cutting real hair. Course instructor, Deborah Williams, says some new customers are hesitant at first to have their hair cut by a student but she has reassuring advice. "I would tell them I get my hair done here and I've been in the business for over 30 years. New customers may be apprehensive but they should come on in and give us a try." Williams says some customers have been getting their hair cut and styled at the school for years.

The school offers dozens of cosmetology services including pedicures for $6 and manicures for $5. Free gourmet coffee is also served. Call (904) 766-5566 for an appointment.

FANTASTIC FACIALS

The steam, the hot towels, the elegant privacy screens. At first, it looks like a luxury spa at an expensive resort. Instead, it's a working classroom at Florida State College of Jacksonville's North campus. "Well, we're just a well kept secret," says Shirley Eady, the facial specialties instructor. The room opens to the public for facial treatments, brow tinting and hand treatments at a fraction of the cost of resort spas on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

For example, you can get seven facial services at the school for only $39. That same service would cost around $350 at a luxury spa. "They get an opportunity to relax and see what we're actually offering at a great price. An awesome price," says Eady. After the students graduate some go to work for dermatologists. Others may open their own business, work for a spa or even a cruise ship. Appointments are suggested. Call (904) 766-5566.

DENTAL DEALS

Here's one heck of a deal if you're wanting to get your teeth cleaned. For only $10 you can get an exam, xrays, a teeth cleaning, and a fluoride treatment at FSCJ's Dental Hygienist School. Jackie Laney doesn't have health insurance so she decided to give it a shot. "It's exactly like going to a dental office. It's very nice personal care that you feel you are getting," says Laney. Robin Barbaree is hovering over Laney with a dental pick in her hand. Barbaree is training to be a dental hygienist. "I really enjoy the patients. Some of them are personal friends others are strangers that we meet through the clinic and they're all wonderful," says Barbaree.

The school can see up to 32-patients a day. But there is a waiting list. A rather long one. "If someone called today it would be between 12 and 16 months before we would have an opening," says Dental Hygienist Instructor Jacquelyne Mack.

Mack says 2500 people are on the waiting list. Some folks have been getting their teeth cleaned at the school every year for 10 years. Call (904) 766-6571 to get on the list.

GOURMET EATS FOR CHEAP!

Many college students work in restaurants to help pay for their tuition. However, students at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program at FSCJ's North Campus pay tuition to work in a restaurant called The Mallard Room. It's is a simulated on-campus restaurant that serves real food to real customers. The students benefit by gaining valuable experience but you benefit by getting gourmet meals at less than half the price.

We were there during lunch hour and the place was packed with hungry diners ready to enjoy a three-course gourmet meal. The waiters, waitresses and chefs are students. "Whatever they prepare they have to serve to the customers, so it gets a little insane," says Head Chef and Instructor Joe Harrold. Lunches are only $7 and dinner $9. Meals include a first course like an appetizer or salad, an entree, dessert and a non-alcoholic drink

Eleanor and Thomas Doyle know a good deal when they see it. The North Jacksonville couple has been dining here every Tuesday for 12-years. "We think it's wonderful. In fact, we get upset if we can't go here," say Mrs. Doyle. "They have great cooks, great service, good atmosphere. It's just a nice, weekly outing, " says Mr. Doyle.

The day we dined it was "German Day." Guests had their choice of four entrees including Sauerbraten with ginger snap brown sauce. Second year student Mary Edwards prepared one of the sides. "I'm sauteing the Spatzle which is a German dumpling and its sauteed with better with salt and pepper," said Edwards . Lunch is served Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-noon for $7 (not including gratuity). Dinner is served Thursday at 6:30 pm or 7:00 pm for $9 (not including gratuity). Call (904) 766-5555 for reservations. The school's menu changes every week. It's great food at a great price prepared and served by America's future culinary professionals.

First Coast News