In the early morning hours at Southern Hill Farms, a fire believed to have been sparked by a lightning strike has caused significant loss to the Clermont community. According to a ClickOrlando report, flames engulfed a barn housing essential farming equipment, including several tractors and farm vehicles crucial for the farm's operations. The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. Monday, prompting a swift response from Clermont firefighters and Lake County Fire and Rescue.

The barn's destruction happens just before the 9th Annual Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival, scheduled to open on Sept. 28. With several weeks remaining, the team at Southern Hill Farms is adamant about recovering. Browsing through the farm's Facebook page, moving through Central Florida Sunday night into Monday might have sparked the devastating fire, but the management shared their determination to move forward. As detailed by FOX 35 Orlando, they stated, "While the gates will still open on Sept. 28, 2024 for the 9th Annual Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival, there will be a lot of work on the backend to ensure the equipment and infrastructure are recuperated so the we can get back to what we love, farming."

The farm's management conveyed gratitude towards the community, stating, "We know our annual fall festival is a beloved part of your fall traditions and we are committed to moving forward. We appreciate your continued support during this challenging time." This sentiment rings true as no injuries were fortunately reported in the incident, as reported by FOX 35 Orlando.