Be a companion at Daytona, say (5)

I believe the answer is:

beach

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'daytona say' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'be a companion' is the wordplay.
'companion' becomes 'ch' (I've seen this in other clues).
'be'+'a'+'ch'='BEACH'

'at' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beach that I've seen before include "Stretch of coastline" , "Accessible shoreline" , "Sandy area by water" , "Pebbly or sandy shore" , "Coast" .)

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