Prospective students chose gold (for the Sun) and white (for sand) as the school colors and "Rebels" as the nickname.

The first principal, Richard L. Jones, declared there would be no "rebels" at his school; in another vote, students chose "Pirates.

The school's alma mater (anthem) was arranged by George Shakley, with words by Kathryn Ludlum (revised by Robert Drick in 1976).

She supervised several singing groups, notably the Baker's Dozen, who performed at the 1964 New York World's Fair after raising $12,000 to make the trip.

On July 11, 1976, the BCHS Jazz Band performed at the US Bicentennial celebration at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

The buildings received a fresh coat of paint, and parents, students and staff re-discovered the words to the fight song thanks to Mary Ann Frey, a teacher who was a 1968 graduate.

Boca Ciega underwent a major renovation from 1990 to 1993, which included a new music building (named in memory of Baker), remodeling the gymnasium (named in memory of basketball coach Kenneth T. Robinson), restructuring the administration building and installing central air conditioning.

[21] The $67 million cost made it the most expensive high school project in Pinellas County history.

[26] During August 1966, the Miami Dolphins practiced at BCHS before their first season in the NFL while using St. Pete Beach as their training camp.

[27] In November 1987, the football stadium was dedicated in memory of Charles C. Beauchamp, who died in 1967 from injuries playing baseball for BCHS.

[29] As part of the recent renovations, new baseball, softball, and tennis fields were also completed in time for spring season 2013.

(Reference: Florida High School Athletic Association Championship Record Books)[full citation needed] Boca Ciega has an estimated 28,000 graduates.

Notable alumni include: The 1982 film, Porky's, was based on incidents in the early 1960s at BCHS and writer-director Bob Clark's alma mater, Fort Lauderdale High School.