RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 13, 2026
LAKELAND, Fla. – Tax bills will arrive with a creative touch in Polk County this fall. Each envelope will feature an intricate design by a local art student, spotlighting student talent as property owners receive their mail as part of the Tax Collector’s Kids TAX Art program. This year’s award-winning artist is Lakeland High School student Ivana Torres. She was surprised with a $2,500 scholarship check on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art in Lakeland. Her art teacher, Ariel Jones, also received a $500 award.
Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder launched the Kids TAX Art program in 2025. High school students submit their works of art in the competition to be featured on tax bill envelopes and receive the scholarship prize of $2,500; this is made possible by program sponsor Southern Homes of Polk County. TAX Art, then, comes at no cost to taxpayers due to the generous scholarship donor. There is no added fee to adorn tax bills with black and white designs printed on nearly 400,000 envelopes. Kids TAX Art inspires artistic expression, proving that even something like a tax bill can be a canvas for creativity.
“This fun program brings a personal touch to public service! It inspires creativity, encourages artful expression, and displays remarkable talent,” Tax Collector Joe Tedder remarked.
“Every student who submitted artwork should be proud,” Southern Homes’ representative Austin Evans remarked. “Selecting the finalists was a difficult decision. We’re honored to continue supporting a program that gives young artists a real audience in our community, and we hope this recognition encourages them to keep creating.”
The full list of Kids TAX Art 2026 finalists is as follows: Fifth Place is 11th grade Harrison School for the Arts student Eli Martinet; Fourth Place is 11th grade Harrison School for the Arts student Emily Webb; Third Place is 11th grade Harrison School for the Arts student Zoe Barlow; Second Place is 10th grade Harrison School for the Arts student Yesha Estudillo; First Place is 10th grade Lakeland Senior High School student Ivana Torres. Congratulations!
Fifth Place Finalist Eli Martinet, Harrison School for the Arts.
Third Place Finalist Zoe Barlow, Harrison School for the Arts.
Fourth Place Finalist Emily Webb, Harrison School for Arts.
First Place Finalist Ivana Torres, Lakeland Senior High School.