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Small fire halts jet's takeoff; no one is hurt

Flames briefly shot out of a commercial jet's engine Tuesday just before the flight was to take off from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, officials said. No one was hurt. The plane operated by United Airlines' discount carrier Ted was headed to the runway for an 8:29 a.m. flight to Washington, D.C., with 138 passengers when the fire began, airport spokesman Steve Belleme said. The fire was put out by emergency workers, Belleme said. The problem was caused by an engine compressor that stalled, said Megan McCarthy, a spokeswoman for United Airlines. Passengers were being put on other flights, she said.

Family finds feline festivities fulfilling

One Panhandle family decided to forgo Christmas presents and a holiday feast this year to spend time caring for neglected felines. Katherine, Amanda, Rebecca and Cyndi Stone spent Christmas morning emptying litter boxes, mopping floors and dusting at Save Our Cats and Kittens, a no-kill animal shelter in Fort Walton Beach. Cyndi Stone and her daughters decided to give up their presents and their holiday after learning of the shelter's recent financial problems, the Northwest Florida Daily News reported. The shelter was in danger of closing, but the community rallied and raised more than $30,000 for the organization.

Sharks spotted feeding near shore

About 100 sharks were spotted Tuesday close to shore along the St. Lucie County coast, authorities said. A sheriff's helicopter was on a routine patrol when the sharks, believed to be bull sharks, were seen feeding at about 10 a.m. near the Fort Pierce jetty, St. Lucie County sheriff's Deputy Garry Wilson told Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers. Wilson said lifeguards were made aware of the situation and were closely monitoring the waters. The beach remained open.

[Last modified December 27, 2006, 00:30:31]