Horse, turtle recognized in final hours of session

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- With less than 90 minutes left in the legislative session, the House just voted 116-1 to designate the Florida Cracker Horse, as the "official state horse" and the Loggerhead sea turtle as the "official salt water reptile."

The measure (SB 230) by Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis, would designate the "Marshtackie" as the first official state horse. The horses are believed to have come to Florida more than 500 years ago with Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon.

The designation will expire in 2018 unless the Legislature moves to reenact it.

The final vote sends the measure to the desk of Gov. Charlie Crist.