SW Florida Toll Taker Fired For Paying Fare Out Of Own Pocket

BOCA GRANDE (CBSMiami) - A southwest Florida community is coming to the defense of a man who worked as toll collector who was recently fired after paying someone's toll out of his own pocket.

Vladislav "Sam" Samsonov has been collecting tolls on the Gasparilla Island Bridge in Boca Grand for nearly 30 years.

Samsonov said he didn't charge driver towing a trailer enough last week and when he realized his mistake, he broke the rules and paid the five dollars out of his own pocket. "He was caught on tape putting money from his pocket into the register," his daughter, Patricia Samsonov Gillis, wrote on Facebook.

As punishment, Samsonov said the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority cut back his hours to two days a week, instead of five, which he declined. He was then terminated.

Those who saw him often said they are sad to see him go.

"I just want him to know he's going to be missed," said Blanche Vedette.

Someone in the community launched a Facebook page to show their support for the toll taker and others posted messages for Samsonov on their own pages.

"It makes me feel good, everything will be okay," Samsonov.

Friends and family say they are exploring possible legal action to see if any Florida laws were violated.