SANFORD, Fla. -- Some local parents want Seminole County's public schools to talk about sex. The school system has an abstinence-only curriculum, but some parents said they believe that puts kids in danger.

Officials with the Health Department said the number of cases of HIV and syphilis in Seminole County has increased dramatically in the previous two years. Parents said they want schools to teach about sexually transmitted disease prevention and birth control methods. "Studies are showing us that young people engaged in abstinence-only programs often are less likely to use condoms or contraception when they do become sexually active," Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Adrienne Kimmell said. "I think that maybe if they did put it in school and teach kids about STDs more, and maybe how to protect themselves, maybe there won't be as many around here," former student Jessica Denove said. Officials with the Seminole County School District said they have no plans to change the curriculum.