“You can’t miss it,” locals say. MC Film is on the corner of 8th Avenue and 15th Street. A rainbow flag flies proudly in the air since 2007. The store is just as unique as one of its owners, Carrol “Carrie” West. The “MC” stands for Mark and Carrie; two lovers and business partners. But of course you also might find Miss Amber, their 8-year-old Australian Shepard, greeting you.

  Carrol West has quiet the experience under his belt regarding his political career. He’s a member of the Ybor City Development Corp (YCDC). President of the GaYBOR District (some refer him to the nick-name “mayor”), Barrio Latino Commissioner and a USAF veteran. In looking into his impressive educational background, he is a U.S.F. alumnus with a post graduate degree in Public Administration as wekk as two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Television Communication and a second in Political Science.

  Carrie West is certainly a well-educated and well-known public figure. “The store started out as a hobby, but soon became a passion,” Carrie states.

  The store was at first a fire station and then it changed into a hardware store, then it was an art store. Once the owners of the art store became older, they started to rent the building out. There were forty-four vacant buildings in Ybor at the time. West and his partner opened up their second retail store there, thinking that location is perfect because it is on a streetcar line and people could see it when passing.

  Their second store is in St. Petersburg. The store opened in 2007. But in 1989, they started hunting for merchandise to sell in their store by going to different trade shows. The most popular items sold today are mostly rainbow products.

  Carrie believes that he initiated the beginning of the GaYBOR District. When he and Mark started their business in Ybor, they persuaded their friends to come and start up their business there as well. After all, Carrie is sometimes called “the mayor”.

  When asked the question, “What issues are you addressing in regards to your presidency in the GaYBOR District?” Carrie simply states, “Domestic registration with your partner, which is what he is doing with his partner Mark, is a fairness issue. Registering means that you are allowed to visit your partner in the hospital. It also deals with the topic of rights for gays and lesbians dealing with children’s rights and issues. Added to the list are financial rights.” He is fighting to help more cities do this. He also adds that he thinks it is wrong that we have our right to have same sex marriage voted on, while holding an anti-Chick-Fil-A shirt.

  Mr. West also enjoys traveling. Embracing diversity in Russia, Germany, South America, Mexico, and China. Serving of the United States Air Force for four years, working as in the canine drug unit, gave him the opportunity to travel.

  MC Film has been visited by Logo television network, and they gave GaYBOR number 1 on the top 50 LGBT destinations. “We are 1 of the 2 only gay pride stores in Hillsborough County,” West proudly announces. Mark and Carrie welcome everyone to their store as well as those seeking inosk for information about GaYBOR.