CLERMONT, Fla. – Less than three weeks before the start of its busy fall season, Southern Hill Farms in Clermont has suffered a setback due to a fire.
Around 3 a.m. Monday, Clermont firefighters and Lake County Fire and Rescue responded to the farm off Schofield Road. Officials say a barn on the property — which houses equipment such as several tractors and farm vehicles that are critical to farm operations — burned to a complete loss.
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The family-owned and operated farm is known for its u-pick seasonal blueberries and strawberries, pumpkin patches, and picturesque sunflower fields. Despite the setback, the farm is set to reopen on Sept. 28 for the 9th Annual Southern Hill Farm Fall Festival.
“There will be a lot of work on the back end to ensure the equipment and infrastructure are recuperated so the Southern Hill Farms family can get back to what they love, farming. Southern Hill Farms is committed to moving forward and appreciates the community’s continued support during this challenging time.”
Southern Hill Farms
While the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time, officials say it’s possible the fire was caused by a lightning strike from weather that moved through Central Florida Sunday night into Monday.
No injuries were reported in the fire.
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