CLERMONT, Fla. – Less than three weeks before the start of the busy fall season, Southern Hill Farms in Clermont suffered a setback due to a fire.

Around 3 a.m. Monday morning, Clermont firefighters and Lake County Fire and Emergency Services responded to the farm on Schofield Road. Officials say a barn on the property – which houses equipment such as several tractors and farm vehicles that are critical to the farm’s operations – was completely burned.

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The family-run farm is known for its seasonal pick-your-own blueberries and strawberries, pumpkin patches and scenic sunflower fields. Despite the setback, the farm is scheduled to reopen on Sept. 28 for the 9th annual Southern Hill Farm Fall Festival.

“There will be a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure equipment and infrastructure are restored so the Southern Hill Farms family can get back to doing what they love: farming. Southern Hill Farms is committed to moving forward and appreciates the community’s continued support during this difficult time.”

Southern Hill Farms

While the cause of the fire is currently unknown, officials believe it is possible that the fire was caused by a lightning strike due to the weather that moved across Central Florida overnight Sunday into Monday.

No injuries were reported in the fire.

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