His struggle, their stories

[LostInTime]

With Steve Stanton's job on the line, strangers feel compelled to speak up.

They brought their own stories, their past struggles, their prejudices. Some said they understood. Others didn't want to know.

More than 100 people strode to the podium in Largo City Hall on Friday, speaking for and against City Manager Steve Stanton, 48, a city employee for 17 years.

Commissioners voted last month to fire him after he announced he plans to become a woman. On Friday night, they heard his appeal - and voted again to fire him.