About Us
At the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy, we believe it takes a collaborative kitchen to shape future chefs. Parents, students, volunteers, administrators, and instructors each bring essential ingredients to the table—working together to create a recipe for success.
About Us
At the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy, we believe education should be hands-on, collaborative, and inspiring. Located on the campus of Tarpon Springs High School, our program is built on the idea that real-world experience and community support are key ingredients to student success.
JCAA is more than just a culinary program—it’s a working classroom, a mentorship hub, and a launchpad for future chefs, entrepreneurs, and hospitality leaders. Through a combination of rigorous instruction, professional standards, and teamwork, our students gain practical skills, personal confidence, and a strong sense of pride in their craft.
We are incredibly proud of the community that powers this program—students, chefs, administrators, parents, volunteers, and industry partners all coming together to create opportunities and elevate experiences. Whether serving a gourmet lunch, hosting a school event, or representing JCAA in competitions, our students are learning by doing—and doing it with passion.
There are currently two chefs in residence:
Chef Vincenzo Pesce Jr., CCC (Chef Vinny)
Program Coordinator & Instructor
Bio: Chef Vincenzo Pesce, Jr., CCC started his career in 1981. Culinary school at PVTI (now PTC) in Clearwater, Florida and graduated in 1985. Sous Chef at Innisbrook Resort in various clubhouses and banquet facilities. Executive Chef at an Italian restaurant. Current ACF member since 1986, Certified Chef de Cuisine, past President of the ACF Florida Suncoast Cooks and Chefs, and competed in ACF culinary competitions. Received the ACF Florida Suncoast Cooks and Chefs chapter Chef of the Year Award 1989. Until August of 2014 he was Chef/Owner of Vincenzo’s Ristorante in New Port Richey, Florida. He holds two Associate degrees –Culinary and Hospitality Management and Business Administration: also, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. From 2014 he has been a Culinary Instructor at Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy at Tarpon Springs HS.
Chef Tiffany Camacho (Chef T)
Instructor
Bio : Chef Camacho, born and raised in the coast San Juan, Puerto Rico. Tiffany grep up with her Grandma Luzaida, whom had a restaurant where Chef Tiffany will spend her all of her time in, and that is how her passion for food grew. Tiffany attended Dixie Hollins High School in Pinellas School County, being the 1st student who participated in the Walkers Rising Star Culinary Competition taking 1st place. Throughout her High school years, Chef Camacho was awarded multiple scholarships to attend Culinary School, one of then being from The Ryan Wells Foundation and Tampa Bay Lightning. Chef Camacho attended Johnson Wales University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary and Food Service Management. Chef Camacho completed her internship at The Vinoy Renaissance in St. Petersburg and became a Sous Chef at The Birchwood 5 years later. After 7 years industry, she became a culinary instructor here a JCAA since 2021.
