Small Business Owner Pays Utility Bills For 114 Families

GULF BREEZE, FL — A Florida small business owner has paid the utility bills for more than 100 members of his community who were at risk of having their service disconnected.

Michael Esmond, owner of Gulf Breeze Pools and Spas, said the difficulties many in his panhandle city have faced due to the coronavirus pandemic and Hurricane Sally inspired him to help others even more than he usually does this holiday season.

"This year to me probably is more meaningful that last year with the pandemic and all the people out of work having to stay home," Esmond, 74, told CNN. "Hurricane Sally slammed us pretty good and hurt a lot of people. We still have a lot of the blue roofs here, where they're just covered with tarps."

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Esmond paid for the bills of 114 Gulf Breeze households that were more than 60 days past due on their bills, finding themselves in danger of having service cut off. He donated $7,615.40 to erase the past due bills, according to CNN.

Last year, Esmond paid the utility bills for 36 Gulf Breeze households, spending $4,6000 on the good deed then. In 2020, he was able to help about three times as many housholds, he told CNN.

Joanne Oliver, utility billing supervisor in Gulf Breeze, told the news network a longer grace period has been implemented due to COVID-19. The city is not disconnecting anyone from service unless they are more than 60 days past due.

Money donated by Esmond will help all in the city who were past 60 days due, with the remaining amount going to residents who are more than 30 days past due and have received a COVID-19 referral.

Esmond said it was a good year for his local business despite the difficulties brought by the virus and hurricane.

"We've had a good year, and that's why I want to share what I have with the people who need it," he said.

Oliver told CNN helping others, something Esmond has done in a big way, is now "more important than ever."

"Even though our country and our city is currently going through probably the most difficult years of some of our lifetimes, there are still people out there who are generous and kind and really do want to help others," she said.

Read more here via CNN