For the first time in history, Manatee County has a female Clerk of the Circuit Court.

On Friday, Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, 47, was sworn into office at the historic courtroom at Manatee County Courthouse in Bradenton.

Colonneso said she always wanted the job and is thrilled to have it. However, she said she never wanted it under the circumstances she received it.

Colonneso is replacing R.B. Chips Shore, who died unexpectedly in July.

"It's an honor and I'm grateful to my mentor for giving me this opportunity," Colonneso said. "I obviously I do miss him a great deal."

Colonneso served a as general counsel for the clerk’s office since 2012. She said Shore had been grooming her for the position.

When Shore died, Colonneso was appointed to the job as interim clerk. Gov. Rick Scott then decided to officially appoint her.

Colonneso will only hold the position for a little more than a year. Then, she will need to run for the four-year term during the November 2016 election.

So far, Colonneso, a Republican, is the only candidate in the race.